Jasper's New Toy and Clothing Oasis: Duck Duck Blue Brings Joy and Convenience to Families

In the heart of Jasper, Indiana, a new retail haven has emerged, catering to the needs of families with young children. Dallas Blanton and Lauren Daunhauer, two visionaries with a shared passion for toys and kids' fashion, have joined forces to create Duck Duck Blue, a unique buy-sell-trade store that promises to revolutionize the way parents in the community shop for their little ones.

Unlocking the Treasure Trove of Toys and Trendy Threads

A Dream Realized: The Birth of Duck Duck Blue

Dallas Blanton and Lauren Daunhauer's serendipitous meeting of minds in December led to the inception of Duck Duck Blue, a store that caters to the ever-evolving needs of growing families. Blanton, an avid toy collector, had long dreamed of opening a toy store, while Daunhauer, a mother of two young boys, recognized the struggle of keeping up with their rapidly changing wardrobes. Together, they saw an opportunity to fill a void in the Jasper community, creating a one-stop-shop for gently used toys, collectibles, and stylish children's clothing.

Securing the Perfect Location: A Fortuitous Find

The duo's search for the ideal location for their venture took an unexpected turn while they were enjoying a meal at Chavas Mexican Grill. Peering out the window, they spotted the former home of Audio World, a building that was available for rent. Seizing the moment, they made a call and secured the space within two weeks, setting the stage for the birth of Duck Duck Blue.

Curating the Ultimate Kids' Playground

Upon entering Duck Duck Blue, visitors are immediately greeted by a vibrant array of toys, creating an atmosphere that Blanton likens to the beloved Toys R Us of his youth. The front area of the store is a veritable treasure trove, featuring a diverse collection of Pokemon cards, action figures, Thomas the Train sets, Nerf guns, Legos, and plush stuffed characters. Bins filled with toys invite children to dive in and discover their next playtime companion.

Stylish and Affordable Kids' Clothing: A Parental Delight

Complementing the toy selection, the back of the store is dedicated to an impressive collection of children's clothing, ranging from preemie sizes to size 16. Carefully curated by Daunhauer, the clothing items are not only stylish and well-maintained but also remarkably affordable, with prices starting as low as to for infants and to for older kids. The duo ensures that the clothing is in excellent condition, providing parents with the confidence to dress their little ones in quality apparel.

The Buy-Sell-Trade Advantage: A Win-Win for the Community

In true buy-sell-trade fashion, Duck Duck Blue encourages the community to bring in their gently used toys and clothing, offering store credit or cash in exchange. This mutually beneficial approach allows families to declutter their homes, earn extra cash, and contribute to the store's ever-evolving inventory, ensuring a constant flow of new and exciting items for shoppers to discover.

The Captivating Story Behind the Name: Duck Duck Blue

The store's whimsical name, Duck Duck Blue, has a charming backstory that reflects Blanton's musical past. During his time playing guitar in a band, Blanton acquired a large rubber ducky that proudly perched atop his guitar amp, leading to a constant influx of rubber ducks from friends and fans. This playful duck theme inspired the "Duck Duck" portion of the name, while the "Blue" element was a serendipitous addition that came to Blanton in a middle-of-the-night epiphany, perfectly capturing the store's vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Filling a Gap in the Community: Jasper's New Retail Destination

Duck Duck Blue is the embodiment of Blanton and Daunhauer's vision to address a pressing need in the Jasper community. As parents themselves, they recognized the frustration of having to drive out of town to find quality children's clothing and toys. With Duck Duck Blue, they aim to provide a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for local families, offering a one-stop-shop for all their kids' needs.The grand opening of Duck Duck Blue is set for Saturday, July 13, at 9:30 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. Located at 701 West 6th Street, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Families in the Jasper area can follow the store's journey on Facebook and reach them at 812-631-5757.