To realize this mission and vision for member toy stores, your Independent Toy Exchange has already taken several steps

• Initiated what we believe is one of the most thorough and comprehensive studies to determine the current state of the independent toy retailer
• Engaged statisticians, MBA's and other professionals to construct statistically significant measurements of where independent toy retailers are and where they are heading
• Begun discussions to license proprietary technology targeted exclusively at making independent retailers more competitive than large chains with respect to convenience and merchandising
• Conducted ongoing, face-to-face, exploratory research with independent toy owners and new toy manufacturers
• Initiated customization and development of the first of a suite of applications designed to enable small independent toy stores to execute multi-channel strategies with greater ease and effectiveness than that experienced by leading national chains and discounters.

As intense as each of these activies is, we realize this is just the beginning of what is needed if member independent toy stores are to realize double digit growth in revenue and immediate improvements to profits through our sysstems. Still, we believe it is the beginning of a brighter future for independent toy retailers and the families that depend on them for quality products paired with genuine care.