Toy Depot Receives Small Business Award

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Main News Photo

After collecting Lionel Trains and other vintage toys for 60+ years, Mark Buckley finally fulfilled his dream of owning a vintage toy store and opened The Toy Depot on September 2, 2011.  Recently the Toy Depot was presented an award by the Wichita State University, Kansas Small Business Development Center, as its Outstanding Existing Small Business. 

Not only is the Toy Depot one of 14 vintage toy stores in the world, it is the only vintage toy store south and west of Chicago and the only store in a town under 3,000,000.  At the Toy Depot they sell a variety of items, including Lionel Trains, Tonka Trucks, Barbie's, Fisher Price, Ertl Tractors, Star Wars, Tinker Toys, Cap Guns, Marbles, Board Games and much more.  In addition to selling toys in the store, they also sell to customers through their website, E-Bay, Facebook, and various toy websites.  They keep a list of customers who are looking for that certain special toy and are always happy to contact them when it is found. 

At the Toy Depot, both Mark and Geneva have worked hard to make it a one of a kind store with numerous hidden gems for customers to discover on every visit.  Some of these hidden features include the old fashioned bell on the front door, the 1948 NCR cash register, and the 100 year old Regulator Clock, as well as the many specialty toys lined up above and behind the cash register.

Most of the employees at the Toy Depot are retired and work there for simply the fun of it. Somebody once told Mark, in order to be successful in business you must keep your customers and your employees happy.   Ever since Mark and Geneva opened the store, they continue to receives comments how happy and friendly the customers and fellow employees are. 

Both Mark and Geneva believe strongly in giving back to the community.  Over the years they have contributed or been involved with numerous groups and organizations including the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Friends of The Zoo, Reno County Toy Run, Smallville Comicon, United Way, plus many more. 

In addition, they are both big advocates for Downtown Hutchinson and have worked hard to make their neighborhood one of the finest in downtown.  Both Mark and Geneva, as well as their staff sweep the street gutter and sidewalk monthly to help make the neighborhood more customer friendly, and in addition Mark & Geneva provide the flags and poles that are flown on the 100 block of South Main.

Thank you, Mark and Geneva for all you do for our community.

Category: SBA