Ownership changing at Playthings Etc.
Primary ownership of the toy store Playthings Etc. in Clay Township is changing, but remaining in the family.
Nadine Shingleton, who opened the business 20 years ago, said she is passing primary ownership to her son-in-law and daughter Allen and Sarah DiFrischia.
Shingleton said she isn’t retiring. She will continue handling the books and accounts payable. She said she is excited to see Allen DiFrischia take the reins.
She said she has been working with him since the store opened on Oct. 1, 2005. The business celebrated its 20th anniversary in October 2025.
“He has a mind for retail. He has a natural gift for retail. He’s excited to do some new things. I’m excited for him,” Shingleton said. “He’s young. He has fresh ideas. We try to keep it fresh to keep up with the trends and keep up with what the community wants.”
She said her son-in-law is going to the North American International Toy Fair in New York City in February to get a look at new toys and order some for the store, which is preparing for Valentine’s Day, Easter and the summer.
The business has about 15 full-time and part-time employees, including college and high school students.
Allen DiFrischia said he is running the day-to-day operations of the business and Sarah will run the dance studio they own.
“I’m excited,” Allen DiFrischia said.
“I’ve been here since day one. It’s been fantastic. It’s been wonderful working with Nadine for the last 20 years, he said.
Allen DiFrischia said his plans are to solidify the business’s finances and see what the future holds.
“Overall, what people will see here won’t change much,” he said.
He said he goes to a few trade shows and the Toy Fair is one of the biggest in the country.
“It’s a good opportunity to see a lot of new vendors and touch base with vendors we currently deal with,” Allen DiFrischia said.
He said he also plans to go to the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association show in June in Minnesota.
