Founded by Jim and Mary Thornbury in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1954, Thornbury's Toys was initially a true "mom and pop" shop. After expanding a few times they outgrew the first store located at 117 Breckinridge Lane in St. Matthews and opened a new store nearby at 4101 Shelbyville Rd. in 1960. This store became headquarters. Thornbury's, incorporated in 1965, grew year after year, peaking in the mid 1980's with stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Ohio and Alabama. The formula for success: customer service, high "play-value" toys and bikes, and a strong management team combined with Uncle Jim's entrepreneurial and promotional flair, love of children, understanding of his customers, attention to detail, and loving family. Uncle Jim's motto was "the customer is always right". The company mascot, Thorny the monkey, who pedaled his bike day and night atop the St. Matthews store, also helped Thornbury's stand out.

Monday, March 9, 2015

A "Thorny Toy" is a Worth the Money Toy

From 1964 Thorny Club Official Members Book  
Thornbury's Toys was a customer-oriented store.  They strived to make everyone happy with their shopping experience and they stood behind the toys that they sold.  It was very important that they brought in quality toys that would provide many hours of safe play for the kids.  A "Thorny Toy" was a toy that Uncle Jim and staff had decided was a good play value toy and worth what the customer paid for it.  If you were ever not happy with the items that you purchased, the employees of Thornbury's were instructed to return the purchase price of the toy with a smile on their face. 
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