Learning Express

Holly Witte may be one of the only women in Shreveport who get to combine work and play on a daily basis - as the manager and buyer for Learning Express, she gets to dabble in both. “It’s just so much fun. I get to go to markets and toy conventions to get all the hot new products,” she said. Witte worked in the corporate world before taking on a local franchise, managing businesses in women’s retail for 10 years. “I really wanted a break from the corporate world. I have a friend who told me about Learning Express and she said, ‘y’all have got to check this out’. It’s a really great concept, and the niche was missing from the Shreveport-Bossier area; a fun, local store where your kids could play while you shop. I just loved the company and loved that they were locally owned franchises,” she said.

Learning Express carries unique toys and provides excellent customer service for their customers. “We offer so much in the way of customer service with the free gift wrap. People call me and say, ‘I need something for an 8 year-old, I want to spend so much money, and I’ll be there in 20 minutes.’ I’ll have it wrapped and ready for them and bring it out to the car,” she said. “We also try to make it a lot easier for the parents and grandparents with our Birthday Box Registry and Grandparent’s Club.”

Witte enjoys all the toys, but sees definite trends each year in what interests the kids. “The classic toys have really made a comeback this year,” she said. Learning Express carries spirographs, Lite-Brite, fashion plates, as well as the classic memory game, Simon.

Witte is married with two children; a 20 year-old step son and a 9 year-old daughter. “My daughter tells me what I need to have in the store of course,” she said. She also has another test audience at her church. “I teach children’s choir and Sunday school at First Baptist Bossier, and so I take a lot of the games up there and have the kids play with them and tell me if it’s a dud or a winner. They will definitely tell me their favorites - they are honest with their feedback,” Witte jokes.

Learning Express is a true labor of love for Witte. She enjoys coming to work each day, and is grateful for the group of talented and caring employees that are at Learning Express. “Coming from a corporate background, I knew it was going to be a lot of work, I knew it was going to be a lot of hours, but it was something I really believed in and was really passionate about.

(318) 865-8697 | 5733 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105 | www.learningexpress.com