GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As the stay at home order stays in place here in Michigan and in other states across the country, Americans are looking for ways to entertain themselves week after week. And they are turning to an old classic puzzles.
Market research company, NPD Group toy industry adviser, Juli Lennett said for the last three weeks, puzzle sales were up 335%.
Small business Blue Bridge Games on East Fulton Street in Grand Rapids is watching puzzles fly off the shelves. Store owner Margaret Kleist says overwhelming people are calling for puzzles.
"I'm grateful to be in Grand Rapids that supports local businesses very well," says Kleist. "I think our business has been lucky to be a little more nimble than others because of what we sell, because it is entertainment that's designed to be used at home, with small groups and I think people are looking for a way to make this forced family time meaningful."
Now that the store is closed, she connects with customers over the phone and FaceTime to display inventory and discuss customer needs. They offer local deliveries and curbside pickup for an easy and safe transaction. And they're staying engaged with followers through social media.
"You don't have to finish it in one sitting, you can work on it for as long as you want to and move on. But then there's also there's the nice sense of accomplishment at least personally for me when I finish a jigsaw, I snap a picture and share it with my friends."
In additional to puzzles, Blue Bridge Games offers board games and card games for kids and adults of all ages. Check this video for a few recommendations from Margaret Kleist:
And supporting local small businesses like Blue Bridge Games in return ensures that they will keep playing on the other side of the coronavirus shutdown.
"Gift cards are a great way to support local businesses," suggests Kleist. "So that when the shops do open up around here in uptown, its like a small business bond."
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