By Lisa Carolin
There’s a new toy store in Chelsea aimed at train lovers, especially young ones. Little Conductors opened March 3 in Oak Tree Plaza, on Old US-12 near Fletcher Road and I-94.
The business was spawned from owners Eric and Heidi Langenderfer’s rental business of the same name. They offer trackless train rental as well as handcar pedal train rentals and other packages for toddlers.
“We wanted to have a storefront for the rental business,” said Heidi Langenderfer. “We thought that being next to the freeway would be a good thing.”
So far, they’ve gotten positive feedback about the store, and most of their customers have heard about it through word of mouth.
“We’re starting to make a name for ourselves in the Chelsea area,” said Eric Langenderfer, who spent four months building the trackless train in a barn. “The train was at Chelsea’s Sounds and Sights’ KidZone, and we bring it to birthday parties and other events.”
Everything in the store is train related, including a big selection of Thomas the Tank Engine toys.
“Our toys are aimed at preschool to 10-year-olds,” said Heidi Langenderfer.
Their own children, 7-year-old Tyler and 4-year-old Lucinda, are also train fans.
Eric Langendorfer hopes to attract shoppers and renters from Chelsea, Dexter and Manchester.
“Our goal is to have a couple community friendly stores and Chelsea is great for that,” he said.
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