About Us
Where Service Counts Helping you raise quality kids for over 60 years. Come see us, make yourself at home. We’ll treat you like family. Be sure to check out our Rewards Program! Meyer’s Toy World is a successful, steadfast family owned Battle Creek business. Meyer family made Christmas affordable by Jim Richmond
Founder Ione E. Meyer remembers well when she and husband Elmer moved their small, six-rack greeting card and stationery store from downtown Battle Creek to 72 North Ave. The Meyers had begun selling toys on consignment, and "the business was going very well" in 1955. Elmer wanted a store location with convenient parking, and he settled on the North Avenue house, which "had been vacant and was in total shambles when we bought it," Ione Meyer recalled. The Meyers moved their family into the top floor and opened the business downstairs. Elmer worked the office, and Ione handled customer sales and merchandising. Their children, Fred and Mary, also had their duties. At age 12, Fred started putting new tricycles together for customers. Mary, then small for her age, dressed as an elf and helped guide the crowds of children and parents who came each Christmas to "talk with Santa," (her father in costume), long before shopping mall-Santas became common at holiday time. "Service has always been important, too. We all worked the floor. 'Take care of the customer,' that was my dad's credo," Fred Meyer said. In the era before charge cards, the Meyer store let customers put $1 down on a $100-plus layaway. People then paid when they could. "Many of today's customers have told us: 'That's how my parents could afford Christmas back then.'" The toy business has changed dramatically over the years, with the advent of superstores, the mass merchandising of video games and other technology-based products and the influx of low-end toys manufactured overseas, Fred Meyer said. "We've stayed on top and adapted the business, or we wouldn't still be here today. We have been willing to change, and our toy business has evolved to include baby furniture and a motorsports gargage. Our toys and furniture last, and many have been handed down for generations," Fred Meyer added. "Many people don't really appreciate Battle Creek until they move away. West Michigan has been good to our business and our family. We work hard, play hard and are fortunate enough to be able give back to the community." "I have been shopping at Meyer's Toy World for more than 35 years. Fred, Patty or any of their knowledgable staff have always provided me with help in making the best and most appropriate choice for my children and now my grandchildren. Their customer service has a personal touch that I appreciate. Meyer's Toy World is a one-of-a-kind hometown store and Battle Creek is lucky to have it!" ...Sherry Anderson .................................................................................................................................... "Your place is an experience. It's like a bed & breakfast for toys. A huge Victorian house with high ceilings and wood floors; rooms packed with unique items, and old -fashioned customer service. I live in Kalamazoo and it's certainly worth the drive." ...Steve .................................................................................................................................... "It reminds me of the hardware stores of times past; great customer service." ...Jennifer .................................................................................................................................... "When I was registering at Meyer's Toy World for my first baby, Patty was very knowledgeable about all of the products and helped guide me in the right direction. I have been extremely pleased with the quality of their products and feel like family when I shop there. Meyer's Toy World is a place I would highly recommend to anyone who wants quality service and products." ...Ricque Pekara |
What began 57 years ago as a small downtown Battle Creek shop and is today a diversified toy and furniture store known throughout West Michigan for unique products and customer service.
