Thornbury's Toys: Memories and Memorabilia: schwinn

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.

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Thursday, May 7, 2015

Schwinn Authorized Mechanics School Graduate Year 1966

Thornbury's was fortunate enough to have two of the best, top of class. Brian Cunningham & Larry Rogers.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Schwinn Bicycles Were a Win for Thornbury's Toys

In 1956, Thornbury's made the move to Schwinn bicycles as more and more customers were requesting them. This ad, circa 1968, features Trigger Tom as the salesperson and Uncle Jim's daughter and grandson showing off the new bike.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Thornbury's Toys Didn't Just Sell Bikes, They Repaired Them Too

That's a lot of bicycles to repair! But Larry Rogers led a great team of service employees to always get the job done right and on time. Larry ran the service department at Thornbury's Toys for many years. They assembled bicycles, repaired bicycles and wheel goods and also delivered them to your door, if requested.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Advertising and Promotions Were Uncle Jim's Specialty

Looks like this young lady just won a new Schwinn Bicycle in one of Thornbury's Toys give-ways.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Thornbury's Toys Begins Selling Schwinn Bicycles in 1956

Jerry Thornbury, son of Uncle Jim Thornbury proudly displays a new Schwinn Bicycle.

According to the Schwinn Reporter, January 1958, Thornbury's sold 499 Schwinn bicycles (their first year of selling Schwinn bikes) and substantially more the next year.