How do you pivot your toy business when your current model isn’t working?

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade chats with Tyler Turk, founder of Crated with Love, about his journey from subscription box entrepreneur to retail board game powerhouse. When Tyler’s subscription box business skyrocketed during the pandemic, it seemed like a dream come true—until the workload became unsustainable. That’s when he made a bold decision to pivot to selling one-off products, a shift that transformed his business into a retail success story.

Tyler shares how he tackled the challenges of transitioning from subscriptions to board games, landed his products in major retailers like Barnes & Noble, and mastered the art of adaptability in a competitive market. Whether you're looking to refine your toy business, connect with retailers, or learn how to pivot your brand to match market needs, this episode offers invaluable insights for creators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals alike.

Learn Tyler’s strategies for navigating manufacturing, retail partnerships, and scaling your business without burnout. Don’t miss the practical tips and inspiring lessons from this episode! 🚀

Listen For These Important Moments

• [02:24] - The Origin Story of Crated with Love
• [05:25] - Challenges and Pivots During COVID-19
• [09:53] - Transitioning to Retail and B2B
• [14:18] - Future Plans and Subscription Box Evolution
• [20:15] - Executing a Successful Pivot
• [20:38] - Strategies for Approaching Major Retailers
• [23:05] - Learning the Manufacturing Process
• [25:48] - Overcoming Challenges in Retail Transition
• [28:04] - Future Goals and Automation
• [30:29] - Networking and Industry Insights
• [33:12 ] - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

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