I saw a few people posting in here about holding down some meet-ups around toys in NY.
I think that is an awesome idea.
And I want to apologize about being lame on toy street post event stuff... I'm only one of 4 partners and we are already on to 2012.

That said... While a to do as big as Toy Street and the attached rentals is pricey, I think something centered on a few key locations would be awesome.

L'amour and a few others already seem really down to do it, so I would also like to pitch in.

This is also a great way to lead up to bigger toy events and hopefully encourage some local retailers.

Off the top, I think it would be awesome to have Toy Tokyo, Mishka, My Plastic Heart, Zakka, Kinokunia, Forbidden Planet and any other locations you guys can think of as possible event locations or sponsors. If we do this right, even if it's small... we could get some unique pieces at each event.

My main concern is supporting local retailers, creatives, and collectors.
It kills me when places like Love Saves the Day and Giant Robot close doors.
So if we can mix that up with some backyard BBQ or cool spaces in NY that we can rock out in... should be awesome.
If we can combine some ideas and make it happen, I'd be all about it.

What say you NYC?

This should happen. I would love to help with whatever is needed. pm me dice.

Yes it SHOULD happen! L'amour Supreme! Where ya at?

Right here DAWG! Let me know. I'll assemble the troops. Had a little impromptu gathering last night at TT.

Sounds awesome! Let's rock!

Count me in as well.

Yeah, I'm always down.

Definitely in, We need to have some movement in NY.

New York stand up!!

uh,... we were kind of wobbling last night from those shots. So more like New York get up and Wobble!!

Let's get Lorne involved in this discussion as I think the downstairs of TT would be a great place to have something like this.
We can even sell whatever we want and we can get something like TT dollars which would be used to purchase something at TT so it's not a waste of Lev's time. Just thinking out loud right now.

I made a movement earlier today.
Mwahahaha!

No, seriously.
What's up w this weekend?
Next weekend?

Good ideas Joel.

IMPO It's not a waste of Lev's time if people who are part of anything toy related are standing in 100 yards of his store.
Hospitality/Graciousness = customers for life.
Lev already gave the go on doing shit there. We can loop them in tomorrow if you wanna roll down there in the day time and punch them both in the nuts. BAM! "Do what we want LEV!" 'Shut up Lorne!" I'm kidding... I love Lev.

And I say we do some impromptu hanging sooner!

I was trying to get this guy to hang out right now... but he went silent.
Must be on to my roofie-colada...

So bummed I missed this, was one of my last nights there!

On the up side I went to New York and it was rad as fuck!

Let's do this!!

picklebacks for everyone!

I'd be down for drinks and toys whenever!!! I'd assume there'd be chicken nuggets as well? It seems Greg and lamour are all bout em these days.

What do you guys think on a date / time?
Meet up in the East Vill 5-6pm?
Hit the bar w some booth space?
Bring sketchbooks and thingys?
Toys toys toys!

I'm in for sure.

A little off topic, but I went to NYC this past weekend and went to Toy Tokyo for the first time (they were moving last time I visited). I was really excited to go and it was a blast seeing all the kaiju in person, but literally not a single person who worked there said hi to me or talked to me about anything at all. It may be because I look younger (I'm 21) or I was with my mom & sister for vacation, but I was wearing a Super7 shirt and wanted to talk toys...not sure if Lev was there (don't know what he looks like) but he should give a talk to his staff


(Trying to get a photo with the Mazinger statue)

I really wanted to work there a few years back, Shit I still would haha. I'd love geeking out with other toy nerds.

dude, it's NYC. what do you expect?

Last time i was there Lorne ignored me and I was there to interview him..!

I applied for a job there four years ago when I was in college. Yeah I don't think they've ever been particularly friendly, not that they need to be.

I've always had the opposite experience there.
But I'm a schmoozer and chatty Cathy and master of the small-talk-head-lock.

It seems like a lot of people want to work there and think it's going to be all fun and games.
The reality is that working in retail will test your limits of patience and communication.

They all have to deal with a lot... Everyday. All day.
People come in and steal stuff, a lot of parents and kids with millions of questions.

Ruth has had her iPhone jacked 2 times in the last 6 months alone. They are 4 blocks from Heroin Square, I mean Thompkins Sq park... so there is that.

A lot of nerds come in trying to talk them to death about ALL KINDS of toys. Everyone who is a shopper feels like they are the most important person and deserves full attention. It's probably one of the worst traits of American shoppers. That you can "have it your way".

If you have a personal need to socialize, it's a fair bet that using people in a retail work environment as outlets for conversation is unfair for both you and them.
While store employees have a general obligation to be helpful, that doesn't make them your therapist, buddy or support specialist.
It's also a disservice to your own good time shopping to have expectations of personal conversations beyond the scope of your immediate purchase.

Just take a FRIEND with you... Or make a new one!

Be nice, and tell them how much you love the store, ask them about how their days is, and maybe give them a break from toys.

It's hard enough keeping doors open in NYC.
So next time you visit Toy Tokyo, give them support and buy some stuff, and try to understand that the locked glass cases are the only thing between them and theft. Try to enjoy getting to rummage around in it when it's opened for you.

And now, can we get back on topic please?

I'd really like to meet up this Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday?
What do you guys think?

7:30pm?

Sorry 'Dice, one more derailment, and then back to business

Just wanted to second everything you said in your post. Working retail is hard, thankless shit. I did it throughout my undergraduate, and still after my master's. If I could spare the time, I'd probably still be at it (instead I am just buried in debt). You also have to remember that salespeople/clerks/waitresses/etc have lives outside of their workplace, and in almost every case, even when they are working an amazing 'dream job,' are there to work, and that stuff sometimes takes a toll. It's also no excuse to be outright rude or ignoring the customer, but then I have to judge that on a personal basis.

@RussBlue That's totally fun, TT was also moving when I was in NYC, and the old place was incredibly tight and hectic. From what I have seen of the new location in photos, looks much improved. Sadly I never did get to hunt in any of those showcases

And now back to our regularly scheduled discussion. Would love to meet up with you guys in NYC too. Hopefully this monthly meet establishes a regular basis, so if I do make the trip down again, I'll join.

I won't be around this week. But will definitely try to attend any future meet ups.