As hundreds of Toys R Us stores close, local Triangle toy stores say they're thriving

At the same time, many smaller toy stores in Triangle said they are continuing to thrive.

William Meredith owns five Learning Express toy store franchises, including one in Cary.

"We are lucky our customers still want us," Meredith said. "We have been around for 25 years and are grateful to have lasted this long."

His shelves carry stuffed animals and games parents might remember playing, but Meredith said a lot has also changed.

"Kids grow up quicker now, and they do a lot of electronics. And so our mix has changed over the years," he said.

Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy six months ago, unable to keep pace with giants like Amazon, Target and Walmart.

But Meredith said smaller stores aren't experiencing that same pressure.

"The in-store experience is what we are trying to do really well with," he said.

At this smaller stores, kids are encouraged to play before their parents pay.

For Ann Bond Bonpain, she said she loves the experience of being in a small toy store with her two children.

"There is something about coming to a store," Bonpain said. "I can never get in and out of here in five minutes, not with them."

Meredith plans to be open another 20 years.

"We're looking forward to it," he said.