As Small Business Saturday approaches, Lyndsey Simpson, owner of Hendersonville Toy Company, reflects on the vital role her store plays in the local community and the challenges small businesses face in the latest episode of The Small Business Show. Simpson took over the toy store in 2022 to prevent its closure, aiming to preserve a cornerstone of family life in Hendersonville.
“I couldn’t imagine our community of Henersonville without a small town toy store.”
According to Simpson, she stocks items that are unique, sustainably made, or STEM-focused, encouraging imaginative and intergenerational play. Families often return year after year, allowing Simpson to provide personalized service and even prevent duplicate gifts.
The store faced a major hurdle earlier this year when Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina. Flooded roads and disrupted communications forced Hendersonville Toy Company to close for two weeks during October, the start of the critical fourth-quarter sales period. “Losing half of a month in that quarter was pretty devastating,” Simpson said.
Therefore, the company was able to rebound with a $5,000 Hurricane Recovery Grant, a joint effort by American Express and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to offer essential support. Simpson also praised the grant for its timely funding and simple process, noting that it made her feel her business was valued. “It really felt like a partnership,” she noted, in addition to the financial assistance.
Small Business Saturday, set for Nov. 29, underscores the importance of shopping locally. Simpson encourages residents to support neighborhood businesses year-round, including during the holiday season.
Simpson also offered advice to fellow entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, focusing on core strengths, delegating specialized tasks, and remaining flexible to meet community needs.
Hendersonville Toy Company maintains an active online presence at HVLToyCompany.com and on Facebook and Instagram (@HVLtoycompany), offering families a convenient way to browse and shop.
Through resilience, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, Simpson’s store exemplifies how small businesses can thrive even in challenging circumstances.
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