Yellowknife (Nov 24/04) - Gray Jay Toys and Games is just in time for Christmas.

The children's toy store opened up on Nov. 18 in the old Overlander Sports location on 51st Avenue.

John Vanthull, owner of Gray Jay Toys and Games, rolls a ball down the Sky rail, one of the new items in the children's toy store he opened Nov. 18. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

Last May, lifelong Northern resident John Vanthull was looking for a change from his job with the NWT Power Corp.

He wanted to be his own boss and decided he wanted to do something fun and entertaining. So he came up with the idea of a children's toy store.

"I know it can be difficult in this town and the selection of toys and games can be very limited," he says.

The tough part about putting a quality toy store together is to round up all those quality suppliers, he says.

After attending trade fairs, Vanthull got a lucky break from a similar toy store in Red Deer, Alta., whose owner gave him a couple of names for toy suppliers.

The store features three main groups of items -- toys, games and puzzles.

There's also a special subsection running under "stuff that glows," says Vanthull.

Since opening day, business has been doing really well, he says.

"There's been a lot of excellent input, which has been really impressive and given me a lot of ideas," he says.

The store is expecting a few more toys in time for the Christmas rush.

"We're looking at hitting all the age groups," says Vanthull.

"Now that I've seen what I like and what the people are interested in and have a decent supply, I'll be able to expand," he says.

Vanthull took advantage of the Akaitcho Business Development Corporation (ABDC).

"They've been excellent, really helpful and supportive," he says.

Vanthull says the experts at ABDC looked at his business plan and provided a few more suggestions.

"They'll take you from beginning to end," he says.

While Vanthull would not say how much in financing he received from ABDC, he did say beginning entrepreneurs have to have some of their own savings.

He did offer this advice: "invest in yourself."