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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Langlois owner Joni Walker believes a successful store has to be prepared to move with the times.

"Langlois itself has been in business for over 20 years, changing many times to fit the needs of what the population demands, said Walker.

Marisa McArthur, affectionately dubbed "assistant to the regional manager" for Langlois, shows no girl is ever too old for a tea party. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL photo

And what the population demands is pirate ships, battle castles and beautiful dollhouses - all the things that go into making a high-quality toy shop.

Walker began making the move toward toys late last summer, converting half the store by October. While Langlois will keep its signature items - like its bedding and chocolate - the rest of the store has become any child's paradise.

"It was either close our doors or think outside of the box," said Walker of the move, commenting on the changing demographics, changing economic times and changing market.

On one hand, 40- and 50-year-olds largely have all their home decor needs met and many 20-somethings, keen on keeping it green, are adopting a more minimalist style, she said.

On the other, Yellowknife has a large population of young families with children and no place to find good quality toys, unless they can go down south, Walker said.

And now Langlois has stepped onto the scene, offering items that bring the art of play back to its roots: interactive toys which trigger the imagination.

Walker has researched every toy that is sold at her store. Most are wooden, she said, and if not, they are made of completely non-toxic plastic.

Toys from China are avoided, and if they're brought in at all, they are tested for quality.

"The big box stores do not offer the same level of quality for toys (as Langlois)," said Walker.

She said the switch hasn't been easy in tight economic times - a lot of the stock must be bought up front - but the new venture has been so successful she's comfortable with the change.

All the kids who come into the shop love it, said sales associate Marisa McArthur.

"There's still a lot of shock and awe," she said, of adults who enter the store for the first time since the change.

And the kids don't want to leave. McArthur told the tale of one young boy, recently who couldn't tear himself away from all the interactive models set up for children to play with.

"He was yelling he never wanted to leave. It was so cute," she said.