Matthew Rea has opened The Print Arcade in Comber selling 3D printed sensory toys he makes
A Co Down musician has opened up a homemade sensory toy shop after a year of finding success at local markets and school fairs.
Matthew Rea has opened The Print Arcade on Bridge Street, Comber, where he will be selling 3D printed toys that he has made himself and says the reaction he has got from the local community so far has been incredible.
The 37-year-old told Belfast Live that he began making 3D printed sensory toys with his niece and nephews last year as a fun activity for them to do together before they started to go to local markets and sell them. He says the toys always got a great response from children and parents so he decided to open a shop of his own to sell them.
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He officially opened The Print Arcade on Thursday, November 27, and says he’s had a great response so far from people of all ages.
Matthew said: “Last year I began 3D printing toys with my niece and nephews and we would go out together to markets and school fairs in Comber and sell them. Every one we went to we always got a great reaction from people wanting to buy them so I thought that it would be worth setting up in a shop of my own.
“Most of the toys are sensory based, much like fidget spinners, and as I make them myself, I am able to do custom designs that people suggest.
“The response we have had since we opened has been fantastic and it hasn’t just been children who have been interested in them as we have had some people come in and get some items for their children and grandchildren and then return to get a few for themselves.
“I also hope that this place can become a bit like an Arcade and a hub that people can come to, with a few claw machines that people can use and have a bit of fun with.
“I have also thought of ways to help incentivise children with the toys, with their parents permission, called the Achievement Arcade where if they are doing well in school and their exams they can get a few toys for free to take home. I will also be holding 3D printing classes at the store on Saturday mornings and it is available for small birthday parties too.
“I have never done anything like this before, having worked as a musician for the past ten years playing all over Belfast, but I am really excited to give this a go.”
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