Pop-Up and Out! Saying Goodbye To Mrs Wordsmith's Boston Shop

As we bid a fond farewell to our Boston pop-up shop at The Current, which closed its doors at the end of February, we are filled with a mix of emotions: gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement for the future. Come with us on a trip down memory lane as we reflect on all the fun we had at our little purple piece of paradise in Boston.

A Humbling Experience

On 26th September 2024, we opened our doors at 100 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, at The Current [1]. From that moment, we knew that this pop-up shop was going to be something special. The opportunity to connect directly with kids as well as their parents was a heartwarming experience, allowing us to learn more about what they really care about and what they would like to see from us in the future. The pop-up shop welcomed lots of new customers who were discovering us for the first time, as well as longstanding Mrs Wordsmith fans who have been following our journey for years. Seeing kids engage with our games and interact with our universe was a joy unlike any other. We also met their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, all of whom shared a common passion for our products. Tons of amazing educators came to visit, too! We loved hearing teachers' tales of class time spent playing Blah Blah Blah and their students' favorite Mrs Wordsmith characters. And we were happy to equip our new-to-Mrs Wordsmith crew with some fun new additions to their classroom.

Community Engagement

Our pop-up shop was more than just a retail space; it was a hub of community activity. We found tons of reasons to party, and our community never failed to show up! It was magical to come together over a love of learning and literacy. The Book Swap was a highlight, with families coming in to exchange old books and discover new ones. This event not only helped reduce waste but also encouraged children to explore different genres and authors, broadening their literary horizons. Family Game Nights were another highlight of our time at the pop-up. These evenings were filled with laughter and literacy, as families gathered to play our games and enjoy quality time together. It was wonderful to see children and adults alike having fun while developing essential communication skills. These events reinforced the importance of family bonding and the role that play can have in learning.

Special Moments

We were honoured to welcome some very special guests to our little shop including Mark Lannigan [2], Regional Assistant to the US Senator Ed Markey. We even hosted Boston influencers for a special tour and dinner, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at our brand and products. Our guests included Kate Bowler [3],  Mia Wenjen [4], Biana Perez [5], and Sarah Dussault [6]. This event allowed us to build stronger relationships with local tastemakers and share our vision with a wider audience.One of the most memorable moments was when Oz, our glamorous Ostrich mascot, debuted on the streets of Boston. With her sassy yet adorable energy, Oz brought joy to children and adults alike. She led a Story Hour in the Seaport, where she read aloud to kids before hosting a big dance party. Seeing children's faces light up as they listened to stories and danced with Oz was truly heartwarming. Our pop-up shop was strategically located in the Seaport's Winter Market, which saw more than 1 million visitors come by to share in the holiday cheer. Being part of this festive atmosphere added to the excitement and energy of our events, making the experience even more special for us as well as our visitors.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Throughout our time in Boston, we received valuable feedback from our customers. We saw a deep love for our existing products, such as flip books, card games, and video games. The Big Book of Feelings turned out to be our best-selling product. Many customers also expressed their desire for new products, including books, board games, and more kid-focused consumer products. This feedback will guide us as we move forward, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. A huge thank you goes out to our entire team, who worked tirelessly to make this pop-up shop a success. From game demos to building collateral and designing our swag, the list of contributions is endless. Their dedication and passion were the driving force behind our achievements.

Looking to the Future

As we close this chapter, we are excited for the next. The lessons we learned and the connections we made will help to shape where we head next. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Boston community and look forward to continuing to inspire and engage with our fans in new and innovative ways. We know that the memories we created and the relationships we built will become a special part of our story moving forward, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Mrs Wordsmith.

Reflections on Community and Connection

The true magic of our pop-up shop was in its ability to bring people together. Whether through our events, our products, or simply the welcoming atmosphere of our shop, we created a space where families, educators, and enthusiasts could connect over a shared love of learning and play. As we move forward, we will carry this sense of community with us, striving to bring the warmth and engagement of our Boston pop-up shop wherever we go. The experience has taught us the value of direct interaction with our audience and the importance of creating spaces where people can come together to share in the joy of discovery and creativity.

Left to right: Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, President of Mrs Wordsmith; Natasha Kaufman, Senior Strategy and Operations Specialist at Mrs Wordsmith; Ariel Foxman, Head of Brand at Boston Seaport

A Final Thank You

To everyone who visited us, supported us, and became part of our journey in Boston, we want to say how genuinely thankful we are. Your enthusiasm and feedback have been invaluable, and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to share our vision with you. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels to see where we head next. Who knows, Oz could be gracing your city soon!