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💡 Why shopping small makes a big difference In a world dominated by two-day shipping, automated recommendations, and massive retail ecosystems, it’s easy to forget there’s an alternative. One with heart. One with soul. One with real people behind the scenes. We're talking about small businesses. Whether it's a toy shop, a bookstore, a hobby store, or an online niche boutique—small businesses bring something to the table that Amazon, Walmart, and other big-box giants simply can’t replicate. Here’s why: 🔍 1. Curated, Not Crowded Big platforms offer everything. And that’s often the problem.Small businesses thrive on intentional curation—whether it’s a collection of the best figures in a toy line, the coolest indie board games, or the niche collectibles no algorithm could surface. It’s not about having everything. It’s about having the right things. 🤝 2. Actual Human Support When you buy from a small business, you’re not submitting a support ticket into the abyss.You’re talking to a real person—often the owner themselves—who cares about your order, your questions, and your satisfaction. 📦 3. Thoughtful, Careful Shipping Small businesses know their products—and their customers—deserve care.From sturdy packaging to personalized touches, every order feels like it came from someone who actually gives a damn. You’re not getting a toy tossed in a mailer with your shampoo. ❤️ 4. Purpose Over Profit Small businesses are built by people who believe in something—whether it’s community, creativity, or just a love for what they do.They’re not answering to shareholders or quarterly projections. They’re building something meaningful. 📈 5. Your Purchase Makes a Real Impact Every order placed with a small business supports someone’s dream.It pays rent. It fuels growth. It creates jobs. And it keeps more dollars in your local economy instead of being siphoned into corporate conglomerates. 🔄 6. Agility and Adaptability Small businesses can turn on a dime. They can add new products, shift their strategy, or listen to feedback and implement it fast.They’re not waiting for approval from five layers of executives. They’re moving in real time, with their customers in mind. 🛠️ 7. Niche Is Their Superpower The beauty of small businesses is that they can go deep where big stores stay shallow.They become experts in the things they love—whether that’s Transformers, Gundam, retro games, or tabletop RPGs. Their niche focus means better selection, smarter recommendations, and more passion. 🌱 8. Built With and For Community Small businesses often double as gathering points—whether that’s in-store or online.They create a sense of belonging. They remember your name. They care if your kid loved their birthday figure. They know which version of Batman you’ve been hunting. 🎨 9. Experiences You Actually Remember Personal notes. Custom bundles. Surprise gifts. Honest recommendations.Shopping small turns a transaction into a story—one you’ll want to share and come back to. 🏆 10. They’re Part of the Culture—Not Just Profiting Off It Many small business owners are collectors, hobbyists, and fans themselves.They’re not just selling what’s trending. They’re living it. That insight and authenticity shows up in everything—from what they stock to how they serve their customers. ✨ The Bottom Line Big retailers offer convenience. But small businesses offer connection. When you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re making a difference.You’re choosing people over platforms. Passion over profit. Meaning over mass production. And that matters—especially in the world we live in today. 📦 Support small. Share their stories. And remember—big isn’t always better.

🎯 How the Tariff Battle is Shaping the Toy Industry — And What It Means for You Over the past few years, tariffs on imports from China have shaken up many industries—but few have felt it as acutely as the toy world. With the majority of toys and collectibles manufactured overseas, especially in China, U.S. businesses and consumers alike have been caught in the crossfire of an ongoing trade war. Why Are Tariffs Hitting Toys So Hard?Nearly 85% of all toys sold in the U.S. are made in China. So when tariffs on Chinese imports were introduced and expanded, they added a significant cost to every step of the toy pipeline—from manufacturing and shipping to wholesale and retail pricing. For small businesses like ours, it’s meant increased costs on new releases, reissues, and even everyday bestsellers. We’re doing everything we can to absorb those costs or find smarter sourcing methods, but the effects are becoming harder to ignore. What This Means for Toy PricesIf current tariffs remain in place—or increase as some policy proposals suggest—we can expect to see: Higher retail prices on many toy lines, especially collector-focused imports and exclusive items. Limited availability on certain collectibles and pre-orders as distributors and retailers manage risk. Delayed shipments due to increased scrutiny, logistics strain, and rising costs from overseas vendors. Will Prices Go Back Down?That’s the million-dollar question. If trade negotiations change course or tariffs are lifted, we could see costs stabilize or even drop—but that likely won’t happen overnight. For now, the best approach is to stay informed, support small businesses who are navigating the squeeze, and grab your must-haves before they become harder to find (or more expensive). What We're Doing at New MetaAt New Meta, we’re actively working to diversify our suppliers, bring in more in-stock items made outside China, and keep our prices as fair as possible. We're also closely watching policy developments and working with distributors to minimize delays and surprises for our customers.