At Short Story Marketing, we had the opportunity to let our inner child out, with a little imagination, a lot of creativity, the end result is pure magic in our clients' eyes. Designing the website for Play Favorites, a charming toy store in Front Royal, Virginia, was no exception.
In fact, it might have been the most fun we’ve had in a while—because building a site for a toy store is almost as fun as playing with the toys themselves!
When you think of a toy store, you think of bright colors, boundless energy, and endless possibilities, so we wanted to showcase their quirky side and how wonderful it is to walk inside the local store. From using some of their brand's vibrant color scheme and storefront colors to design to the intuitive navigation, every element is crafted to feel as fun and inviting as the store itself.
A big part of what makes Play Favorites special is their interactive playroom and arcade—a magical space where kids can play, explore, and let their imaginations run wild.
Just like every great toy has a story, so does Play Favorites. They’re not just a store; they’re a proud supporter of local artistry. We loved weaving in features like the handcrafted jewelry collection by co-owner Hannah Bement, inspired by Ms. Frizzle’s playful style. These unique touches make the site—and the store—truly one of a kind.
Play Favorites isn’t just a store; it’s a community hub. From frequent game nights to special events, the store is all about bringing families together.
Creating the Play Favorites website reminded us why we love what we do. Designing for a toy store means embracing joy, creativity, and the wonder of play—and that’s exactly what we poured into this project. Then, we showed the owners, Bret and Hannah, how they could add their own touches to the website. They have already jumped in, and are actively making updates!
And yes, teaching someone else how to play a game is just as fun as playing it ourselves!
We’re thrilled with how the site turned out, and we think you will be too.
Ready to take a peek? Visit Play Favorites and see how we brought the magic of toys to the web!