This year, Lyndsey and Tony Simpson’s toy company was experiencing rapid expansion until September 27, the day Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, resulting in widespread power outages, flooding, the removal of some local roads, downed trees blocking roads, and damage to cars and rooftops.
Tony’s Jeep was totalled, the family was unable to leave their Hendersonville home for two days due to fallen trees, and they lost power for almost two weeks. Because of how bad things were in their city, the county imposed a two-week curfew at 8 p.m. to keep everyone safe and give emergency personnel time to work.
Lyndsey and Tony Simpson’s toy company suffered immense damage
Hendersonville Toy Company lost power and WIFI following the hurricane, so even though the games and toys were undamaged, the company was closed for weeks.
Toy shopping appeared to be the last item on everyone’s attention when the Simpsons eventually reopened, after they had considered whether it was appropriate to open the store at all since people were still primarily focused on necessities.
Although Hendersonville’s downtown has reopened, many surrounding roads remain closed, and sales at the majority of local establishments, including the toy firm, have significantly decreased from the previous year.
Lyndsey admits that she has considered closing her store, but she has resisted the idea.
According to Lyndsey, the pair got into the toy industry two years ago after discovering that the neighbourhood toy store was closing.
After their initial attempt to purchase it failed, they started their own toy company out of their home and started selling toys at pop-up stores.
They leaped at the chance to set up shop in front of Gateaux Cakes and Pastries downtown because they were sick of lugging the toys from their living room to the stores every weekend.
Lyndsey says she loves helping kids, parents, and grandparents find games that appeal to people alone as well as games that they can play together. These days, they specialise in sustainably created games.
In the meanwhile, it’s critical to keep in mind that families are still having difficulties, adds Lyndsey, who is optimistic that the company will continue to improve next year. Some parents didn’t think to purchase flood insurance, and others lost their jobs, homes, cars, and other belongings.
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