Thornbury's Toys: Memories and Memorabilia: queen of toys

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.

Showing posts with label queen of toys. Show all posts

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Another Uncle Jim Promotion-1964 Thorny Club

Cover of 1964 Thorny Club Official Members Book

You know all the characters on the Thorny Bucks pictured here, don't you? On the bottom left, you have the one and only, Uncle Jim. His $10.00 Thornybuck was worth a nickel. Fireman Bill is on the $1.00 buck, Trigger Tom is on the $3.00 buck and Amy, the charming Queen of Toys out did them all on the $50.00 buck.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Queen of Toys

Here is the Queen of Toys! She is one of many characters that appear on Thorny Bucks. Do you remember them? If you spent $1.00 at Thornbury's Toys, you would receive 2 Thorny Bucks. You could save them up and then buy a toy of your choice. The store also would feature "Thorny Buck Specials" so your Thorny dollar would buy more.