The Harbor Light Toy Company opened in Scituate Harbor in November, 2008. With its recent relocation across Front Street to the Welch building, Harbor Light has been able to expand its offerings. The business is thriving, which, we assume is because everyone loves toys, right? Right! But owners Jerry and Kelly Burke have also added their own creative approach which makes their business very unique. South Shore Woman recently caught up with the couple to uncover how they have turned their idea into a successful venture.

SSW: What inspired you to open a toy store? 

HLTC: We had recently relocated to Scituate from Georgia after 13 years of moving around the country.  My husband and I decided we wanted to try a different way to make a living.  Scituate Harbor is so pretty that we decided a store location here would be great.  Since we have 4 kids, I spent a lot of timing going to Norwell/Hanover to shop instead of the beautiful harbor down the street and a toy store came to mind.  I have always loved small independent toy stores and the uniqueness of the toys they have, so I felt like it was something we could do. 

SSW: What makes Harbor Light Toy Company different from other toy stores? 

HLTC: Customer Service.  Since we live locally, we are committed to providing great service with a positive attitude.  We love to hear what people want in toys and can special order items for customers, as well. And our staff is really great.  People say such wonderful things about our staff!  This summer, we've added penny candy. People can enjoy bringing the kids down to shop for that special gift, or simply to have a treat while walking along the harbor.

SSW: What obstacles did you face getting started? 

HLTC: We really had no practical retail experience and had a lot to learn in that respect.  Also, determining what to buy and catering to a lot of different tastes can be a challenge.  In the end, we have four kids of our own, so to get started, our rule of thumb was to simply buy what we'd buy for our own kids.

SSW: What do you like about having a shop in the harbor? 

HLTC: Meeting a wide variety of people.  It is fun to interact with people from Scituate.  We get lots of people that visit us from all over the South Shore.  People love to come down to Scituate Harbor to shop and have lunch.  Why go to a mall when you can be right on the ocean on a beautiful day? We also get visitors from other parts of the country and the world.  It is amazing how many people visit Scituate.  We love being involved in the community with our kids and getting to know everyone.

SSW: What is your hottest selling item? 

HLTC: It definitely trends...we have gone from Japanese erasers to Sillybandz to Angry Birds, and beyond.

SSW: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business? 

HLTC: Pick something you are passionate about.  Be prepared to commit your time to your business.  Plan on working when you least expect to.  Keep Smiling!

Upcoming events at Harbor Light:

July 12^th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. it’s Game Night! Free to all at the Maritime Center in Scituate Harbor

Coming in September: Shop Local to Support Scituate Schools. Harbor Light is organizing  a harbor-wide event to help support the Scituate School System.

By Tracy Coyne

Tracy Coyne is a marketing expert whose experience includes Vice President of marketing for Kessler Financial Services and business development manager for PowerPay in Portland, ME. She lives on the South Shore with her husband and their three kids. Contact info: dtcoyne@comcast.net

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