Latest news with #Kip'sToyland
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
L.A.'s Oldest Toy Store Sees Struggles Ahead Due to Tariffs
President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports have been reduced from 145% to 30% in recent weeks, but businesses are still feeling the effects, and it's not just big retail outlets or online shopping portals. The tariffs are on track to threaten the livelihood of mom & pop shops across the nation. Here in Los Angeles, the city's oldest toy shop, Kip's Toyland at the Farmer's Market on Fairfax, has been ringing the alarm bells. Owner Don Kipper recently told CNN that he's received letters from suppliers about price increases and the need for bulk ordering. More than 80% of toys sold in the United States are made in China, and while Trump has been consistent about his views that it won't be a big deal for consumers, and that girls will 'maybe have two dolls instead of 30,' the impact on merchants could be massive, whether they hike up prices to set off costs or keep price tags the same and take in smaller profits. The US imported about $13.4 billion in toys from China last year, according to the US Commerce Department, and while many think of Chinese products as low quality, that's not always the case. Kipper's inventory, which comes mostly from China, includes a whimsical array of vintage style metal toys, colorful educational toys and kid-coveted top brands like Lego, Wham-O, Slinky, View-master and Kipper tells CNN that small businesses like his can't afford to stock up and even if he could, his store doesn't have room for large amounts of adds some of his suppliers are halting their production lines altogether which will definitely affect the holiday season to come in terms of quantity and selection. Indeed, Christmas may not be so merry this year— for stores or moms and dads trying fulfill their kids' wishlists and letters to Santa. LA mag reached out to Kipper by email to see if the recently announced tariff reductions might help matters, but hadn't heard back at the time of this more about the deep history of Kip's, a family owned and operated business since 1945, in this informative "LA in a Minute" report, below. View the to see embedded media.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tariff hike puts pressure on LA's Kip's Toyland
Listen to article Kip's Toyland, the oldest toy shop in Los Angeles, may be forced to raise prices or reduce stock as it faces tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports — a major blow for the nearly 80-year-old family-run store. Around 80% of toys sold in the United States are manufactured in China. Owner Don Kipper says the store has been receiving letters from suppliers warning of sharp price hikes due to upcoming trade penalties. 'We've been getting letters and other communication from our suppliers that say, 'Fasten your seat belts, this is on the way,'' Kipper told. Some suppliers urged bulk orders before tariff pricing begins, while others warned of halted production ahead of the holiday season. The development highlights renewed pressure on the US toy industry amid President Donald Trump's ongoing trade dispute with China. In 2023, the US imported \$13.4 billion worth of toys from China, according to Commerce Department data. Kip's Toyland sources most of its inventory from China. Kipper said he cannot afford to buy in bulk or store large quantities, unlike bigger retailers. 'It's a hostage situation. If we have to, we have to,' Kipper said of potentially paying higher prices. Founded in 1945 by Irvin 'Kip' Kipper, a former World War II pilot and prisoner of war, Kip's Toyland began as a small shop selling flags and dolls. Today, it remains a nostalgic haven of unplugged, classic toys. While most items on its shelves are now made in China, a few — like the American-made Slinky — are still sourced domestically. Toy analyst Chris Byrne said rebuilding US-based toy manufacturing would take at least five years and still lead to higher consumer prices due to domestic labour and regulatory costs. Parents visiting the shop said higher prices may force them to cut back. 'It's a real treasure,' said Aeri Schwartz, who visits with her toddler. 'Not being able to come here and buy something would be pretty unfortunate.' Chelsea Kwoka, another parent, said she would likely shift spending to local experiences or buy second-hand toys if prices soar. Kipper said he hopes loyal customers will still come in for birthdays or special gifts — but said he would have to 'buy smart' to keep the shop going.
