Downtown toy store offering virtual shopping, curbside pickup

COEUR d’ALENE — If you've been toying with the idea of buying a new game or adding more fun to your household, Figpickels Toy Emporium is at your service.

The best part is, shoppers don't even have to leave the comfort of their living rooms to see all the colorful, imaginative and engaging items that fill the store shelves. Coronavirus restrictions have inspired a new way to enjoy the downtown toy emporium: Virtual shopping.

"It's been eye-opening," said owner Brett Sommer. "We're just doing what we need to do to serve this community."

This isn't average online shopping. Figpickels is taking its customers on guided virtual tours, providing demonstrations and showcasing how different toys work while giving guests immersive and entertaining experiences throughout the store. Using smartphone video chats, shoppers wander with their Figpickels representatives and see everything in real time.

"We walk around the store with them and we can show them and play with them," Sommer said. "It's so fun when the kids are on there. It’s almost like they're there."

Those interested in v-shopping at Figpickels just need to message the toy store on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Figpickels or call the store at 208-667-2800 to set up an appointment. Brett, who runs the store with wife Susan, sons and daughter-in-law, said the sessions average about a half hour and entire families have enjoyed participating.

"It’s not boring online shopping. It's some cool interactive middle ground that seems to have hit the mark," Brett said. "It’s something the whole family can have fun with."

What's hot right now, he said, are hide-and-seek monkeys and kites.

"Kites are a great thing right now. You don’t have to worry about social distancing, you get outside, get fresh air,” he said. "For $7.95 you can get a decent kite. It's also about affordability here. Half the items in our store beat Amazon."

Puzzles are also huge as people are stuck at home.

"Everybody’s out of puzzles, but we still have hundreds of puzzles," Brett said. "Right before the lockdown we got two shipments of puzzles. It was like a small Christmas miracle. Our timing was amazing."

People can choose to buy play baskets, as well. They can set a dollar amount and have their Figpickels assistant fill the baskets with items of their choosing, or they can purchase one pre-made with exciting and age-appropriate items.

Once orders are complete, customers can drive right up for curbside pickup, or, if they live close enough, Figpickels is willing to deliver.

Brett said Figpickels has received positive responses from customers who are writing sweet thank-you notes on their Facebook page.

"We are incredibly, incredibly grateful and honored that the people of the community are following our Facebook and calling us and joining us in this experience," he said.

Figpickels is at 210 E. Sherman Ave., Suite 103 in The Resort Plaza Shops.