Imagination Toys In Ladue Springs Back To Life Under New Ownership

Polly Lett went to to purchase a single toy and end up buying a toy store.

Right before the holidays were fully underway, long-time owners of Imagination Toys, Marge and Dave Versprille announced to the world their 26-year run at ownership would end. If there was going to be a new owner come forth, fine, and if not the operation would cease for good. The Versprille’s had not developed any formal exit strategy after operating their store in Ladue for 26 years.

The final day of business was January 4, 2012. In the waning days of operation, toys were flying off the shelf literally. By closing time on the 4th, all that remained were empty shelves and display kiosks.

Sometimes, one door closes and another opens.

Polly Lett, and her husband Dan, corporate counsel for Bunzl Corp in Creve Coeur saw this as a strategic business opportunity. Polly, who graduated years ago from Stephens College in Columbia, MO had majored in business and sold real estate for years. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity to test her marking and people skills. Dan Lett made it perfectly clear the ownership of this store is solely that of his wife.

Some Laduites didn’t know the store had closed briefly. Standing in an empty 4,000 square foot two-roomed shell one late afternoon, some woman was frantically knocking on the door. Polly had to open the door and inform the visitor the store was temporarily closed and there were no toys or games for sale. The woman said “We’re heading to a birthday party. I’ve got kids in the car. What do I do now?”

Come the last few days of February, or the first of March that problem will be solved. The store will re-open with much the same staff offering warm, friendly personable service.

Lori Haberman is staying on as manager with nearly six years of experience. All workers were offered their jobs back. Marge Versprille is serving as consultant and confidant during the transition period.

The place is getting a facelift during the interim. Carpeting is being steam cleaned. Fresh colors are covering the walls. New display cases will be filled with a wide range of novel and new toys, games, etc.

Polly Lett is making sure the friendly service remains foremost. She knows, in most cases a same or similar items can be purchased from nearby big box stores. She will have a full line of products for sale on the store’s internet site.

“We will have a grand re-opening, hopefully by the end of February,” she promises. The Lett’s live nearby in Creve Coeur and she has children just entering Ladue Middle School next year.

All in all the sale of the store went quite well. “They (the Versprille’s) were very cordial and very fair. Both sides did well,” said Dan Lett, who handled all the negotiations.

“It is simply important the legacy of this store lives on,” said Dan Lett. Area school teachers will still get discounts when purchasing items for their students.

Store hours will remain the same, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and opened on Sundays during holiday periods. The store number is 314-993-6288.