In 1982, Sharon DiMinico, expecting her first child, experienced a heartwarming and enjoyable journey while shopping for nursery furniture and baby items in Nashua, NH. The excitement of selecting toys, a crib, strollers, and bassinets sparked an idea. As she made her purchases, Sharon envisioned creating the perfect nursery and engaging her child with the educational toys she had chosen. This experience planted the seed for a new business venture. She decided to transition from her retail tile business to something that captured the joy and emotion she felt while shopping for her soon-to-arrive daughter.
The opportunity to turn this vision into reality arose just over four years later. Sharon, then president of the board at Groton Community School, presented her “Learning Express” business plan as a fundraising initiative. Her goal was to stabilize the school’s finances without increasing tuition fees. This plan was well-received, and a few months later, in March 1987, Acton, MA became home to the very first Learning Express location, marking the beginning of a successful journey in the toy retail industry.
Six months later, in September, Sharon expanded her reach by opening her first solely-owned Learning Express store in Needham, MA. While preparing the Needham location for its grand opening, Sharon stumbled upon an article in Inc. Magazine about the concept of franchising. Recognizing the personal fulfillment and rewards of business ownership, she realized that franchising could be an excellent strategy to expand the Learning Express brand. It would also offer other families the same rewarding experience of being their own boss. Driven by this idea, Sharon placed an advertisement in the Boston Globe, seeking individuals interested in toy store franchising opportunities. In 1990, her vision became a reality when she sold the first Learning Express franchise in Andover, MA, paving the way for national growth.
As Learning Express continued to expand, 1998 marked a significant year. The company hosted its inaugural company convention, bringing together franchisees and leadership. This year also saw a physical relocation for the company’s headquarters, moving from a historic schoolhouse in Groton, MA, to a newly renovated office building in Devens, MA. The following year, in 1999, Learning Express received its first national recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine, being named one of the Top 500 Franchises in the country. This prestigious award has been bestowed upon Learning Express multiple times since, solidifying its position as a leading franchise system.
Today, Learning Express stands as the largest family of specialty Toy Learning Express stores in the United States. The company continues to flourish, driven by its successful franchise business model and its commitment to providing high-quality, educational toys to families across the nation. From a personal shopping experience to a national brand, the story of toy learning express is a testament to entrepreneurial vision and the enduring appeal of quality toys in child development.
