Dancing Bear Toys: May’s Small Biz of the Month

There’s a reason Dancing Bear Toys has been named the Best Toy Store in America. For the last 26 years, the Evers Family has worked hard to make the store thrive, while maintaining a fun and lighthearted approach to the business. Learn more about Dancing Bear Toys in our interview with owner Sarah Evers.

Tell us a little of the history of the company.

The Evers Family (Mary, Dave, Erika & Sarah) purchased Dancing Bear Toys in 1993, after Sarah worked for the previous owner for two years. As a family, we had little-to-no-previous experience in retail, so we learned on the job! Now, 26 years later, (gasp!) we are proud of all we have done. We opened a store downtown Hendersonville, moved to a larger location in Asheville, and continue to grow and thrive. We feel lucky to be part of such wonderful communities and honored to be a part of so many families.

Little known fact or trivia about your company.

We have solar panels on our roof 🙂

What are you most proud of about the company?

Our family believes in doing our best, and have built a business around that. Oh yeah, we also won Best Toy Store in America, 2018 from ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailers Association)!! It’s a great honor from our industry affiliates.

Best advice you’ve gotten for operating a small business.

Pay yourself. Take vacations. Enjoy.

Tips for other small businesses?

Mistakes happen—learn from them! Take the time to write an employee manual—it’s painful, but really helps you clarify your intentions, and convey them to staff and customers.

What’s next on the horizon?

More fun and laughter.

Our mission is building community through business. How does that apply to your business or what does it mean to you?

DBT has always offered free “play days” and events throughout the year. As a toy store, we get to see kids grow up—connecting with families on a deeper level is so important. We want to be a resource as well as a toy store!