This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a toy store.
Our business plan for a toy store will help you build a profitable project
Opening a toy store is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial.
Every toy store has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Toy Store Equipment List
Opening a successful toy store requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your toy store up and running.
Display Equipment
- Display shelving - Various heights and configurations for different toy types
- Wall-mounted displays - Maximizes vertical space for showcasing products
- Slatwall panels - Flexible display system with adjustable hooks and shelves
- Gondola shelving - Double-sided units for maximum product exposure
- Glass display cases - Protects valuable or delicate collectibles
- End cap displays - Highlights featured products at aisle ends
- Rotating displays - Showcases multiple items in limited floor space
- Toy demonstration areas - Interactive spaces for customers to test products
- Window displays - Attracts customers from outside the store
- Seasonal display fixtures - Adapts to holiday and promotional themes
Point of Sale System
- Cash register/POS terminal - Processes sales transactions efficiently
- Barcode scanner - Speeds up checkout process significantly
- Receipt printer - Provides purchase records for customers
- Credit card reader - Accepts various payment methods securely
- Cash drawer - Organizes and secures cash transactions
- Inventory management software - Tracks stock levels and sales data
- Customer database system - Maintains loyalty programs and contact information
- Price scanner - Allows customers to check prices independently
Storage & Organization
- Stockroom shelving - Organizes inventory in back-of-house areas
- Storage bins - Keeps small items sorted and accessible
- Rolling carts - Moves inventory between stockroom and sales floor
- Ladder or step stool - Accesses high shelves safely
- Inventory tags/labels - Tracks stock and pricing information
- Climate control system - Protects sensitive toys from temperature damage
- Security lockers - Stores high-value items securely
Customer Service Equipment
- Shopping baskets - Helps customers carry multiple items
- Shopping carts - Accommodates larger purchases comfortably
- Customer seating - Provides rest areas for parents and children
- Gift wrap station - Offers packaging services for customers
- Information desk - Central location for customer inquiries
- Play area equipment - Keeps children entertained while parents shop
- Magnifying glasses - Helps customers examine detailed products
Security Equipment
- Security cameras - Monitors store activity and prevents theft
- Security tags - Protects high-value merchandise from shoplifting
- Electronic article surveillance - Detects tagged items leaving store
- Safe or drop box - Secures cash deposits throughout the day
- Motion sensors - Detects after-hours intrusion attempts
- Security mirrors - Provides visual surveillance of blind spots
- Alarm system - Alerts authorities to security breaches
Age-Appropriate Section Equipment
- Low-height displays - Allows children to see and reach toys
- Safety gates - Separates areas with age-restricted items
- Soft play mats - Creates safe testing areas for young children
- Height-adjustable tables - Accommodates different age groups
- Child-safe corners and edges - Prevents injuries during play
Specialty Display Equipment
- Action figure stands - Displays collectibles attractively
- Puzzle display racks - Shows box art while keeping pieces secure
- Board game shelving - Accommodates various box sizes efficiently
- Doll display cases - Protects collectible dolls from handling
- Electronic toy charging stations - Demonstrates battery-powered items
- Building block play tables - Encourages interactive engagement
Packaging & Gift Services
- Gift bags - Various sizes for different purchase amounts
- Wrapping paper dispenser - Organizes gift wrapping materials
- Ribbon and bow storage - Keeps decorative materials accessible
- Scissors and tape dispensers - Essential gift wrapping tools
- Price tag guns - Quickly applies pricing labels
- Poly bags - Protects toys during transport and storage
Technology & Communication
- Phone system - Handles customer inquiries and supplier communications
- Computer workstation - Manages inventory, orders, and administrative tasks
- Internet connection - Supports POS system and online operations
- Sound system - Plays background music and announcements
- Digital signage - Displays promotions and product information
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Vacuum cleaner - Maintains clean carpet and play areas
- Cleaning supplies - Sanitizes toys and surfaces regularly
- Disinfectant wipes - Quick cleaning for demonstration toys
- Trash receptacles - Maintains store cleanliness throughout day
- Floor mats - Protects floors and provides slip resistance
Office & Administrative
- Desk and chair - Provides workspace for administrative tasks
- Filing cabinet - Organizes business documents and records
- Calculator - Handles financial calculations and inventory counts
- Printer/scanner - Produces invoices, labels, and documentation
- Office supplies - Pens, paper, staplers for daily operations
Our financial plan for a toy store will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most toy store owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic displays, POS system, and security equipment just to operate safely and efficiently.
- Small Neighborhood Toy Store
A small neighborhood toy store with basic displays and essential equipment needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward display fixtures and a reliable POS system.
- Medium-Sized Toy Store
A medium-sized toy store with specialized displays and enhanced customer experience typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with more investment in interactive displays and security systems.
- Large Toy Store
A large toy store or specialty retailer can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add advanced security systems, extensive display fixtures, and specialized demonstration areas.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Toy Store ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small toy stores focus on essential equipment that can display products attractively while keeping overhead costs manageable. The goal is creating an inviting space without overspending on features you won't use immediately.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Display Fixtures | Basic gondola shelving units, wall-mounted displays, simple slatwall panels with hooks, end cap displays | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Point of Sale | Basic POS terminal with barcode scanner, receipt printer, cash drawer, simple credit card reader | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Storage & Organization | Basic stockroom shelving, storage bins, rolling cart, inventory labels, step ladder | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Customer Service | Shopping baskets, basic seating area, simple gift wrap station, information counter | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Security Equipment | Basic security camera system, security tags for high-value items, simple alarm system | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Technology | Basic phone system, computer workstation, internet setup, simple sound system | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Setup & Installation | Equipment delivery, basic installation, initial setup and testing, permits and inspections | $1,000 - $2,000 |
Medium-Sized Toy Store ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium toy stores need more sophisticated displays and enhanced customer experience features. You're investing in creating an engaging environment that encourages longer visits and higher sales.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Displays | Premium gondola shelving, rotating displays, glass display cases, specialized age-group sections, window displays | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Enhanced POS System | Advanced POS with inventory management, customer database, loyalty program features, mobile payment options | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Interactive Areas | Toy demonstration stations, play area equipment, building block tables, electronic charging stations | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Storage Solutions | Professional stockroom setup, climate control system, security lockers, organized inventory system | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Security Systems | Comprehensive camera system, electronic article surveillance, motion sensors, professional alarm system | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Customer Experience | Shopping carts, comfortable seating areas, complete gift wrapping station, customer service desk | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Professional Setup | Complete installation, staff training, digital signage, advanced sound system, comprehensive testing | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Large-Scale Toy Store ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large toy stores operate with extensive product ranges and focus on creating destination shopping experiences. The investment goes toward maximizing customer engagement and operational efficiency.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Display Systems | Custom display fixtures, themed section displays, interactive product demonstrations, extensive window displays | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Advanced POS & Technology | Multi-terminal POS system, advanced inventory software, customer analytics, mobile POS units, digital signage network | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Comprehensive Security | Professional security camera network, advanced EAS system, monitored alarm system, secure storage solutions | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Interactive Experience Zones | Multiple demonstration areas, dedicated play zones, educational activity stations, special event spaces | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Professional Storage | Automated inventory systems, climate-controlled storage, organized stockroom with multiple zones | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Enhanced Customer Services | Professional gift wrapping center, customer lounge areas, specialized shopping assistance tools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Specialty Equipment | Collectible display systems, electronic toy testing stations, educational product demonstrations | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete store setup, comprehensive staff training, system integration, ongoing support and maintenance | $4,000 - $7,000 |