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Toy store stays 'Cleveland tough' in spite of economy
The view from outside the Big Fun Toy Store in the suburb of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
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Steve Presser, owner of the Big Fun Toy Store in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
The Big Fun Toy Store, in the suburb of Cleveand Heights, Ohio, is a small business that has dealt with the ups and downs of the state's economy over the last several years.
Store owner Steve Presser says, "we've survived because...if you need to buy little Johnny a Christmas toy or Hanukkah toy, and you don't have the $100 you're normally going to spend, you come to Big Fun and spend $10 or $20." Presser says he's starting to see business pick up, "last month we were up 20 percent."
Yet, Big Fun still faces its challenges, "small businesses like myself -- I jokingly call myself an entrep-maneur because I feel sometimes like I'm in that -- we can't go to the banks and the banks that we've banked with for 20 years and get loans."
Presser is staying tough and optimistic, something the city of Cleveland is known for, "we get knocked down, we get back up again."
Jeremy, thanks for this insightful piece on true small business. They are an extremely important part of our economy and our country, and it's nice to hear some attention brought to their trials. I've been a Clevelander for several years now, and I love the small and unique finds like Big Fun. I would hate to see these kinds of places dry up. I agree with Presser's assessment of Cleveland as the kid with his head down who turns out to be a nice person when you get to know them. Having moved here from Michigan 8 years ago, Cleveland was the last place I'd ever expect to live. Now that I've gotten to know the city, I don't want to leave. Thanks again for the good piece.
