By Kyle MacNall

This year, I took a trip down to Tennessee to attend the Smoky Mountain Gift Show and IGES Trade Show. I attend various events throughout the year to find new and interesting products that might fit in our readers’ stores. One of the best fits, and probably the most fun one, that I came across was the Popgun Factory. I had an opportunity to meet the marketing manager, Jeremy. He was telling me how all their products are handmade in the U.S. right at their headquarters in Statesville, NC.

One can assume by the name “Popgun Factory” that, well, they make popguns! Those fun wooden toys that we all remember growing up with a string and a cap that go POP! However, they did not stop there. They have a variety of handmade wooden toys. After the show, Jeremy sent me out some products to review. What was inside looked to have came straight out of Santa’s Workshop.

The first thing that I pulled out of the package was a traditional wooden popgun with a real leaf-style camouflage slide. Pull the slide out until the cap is tight, give it a pump and POP! Next were two wooden crossbows. The first was designed to shoot an arrow with rubber suction cup. Pull back the string, lock it into position, load the arrow, aim and shoot! I was able to get it to stick to the sliding glass door from about 10-15 feet away. A second crossbow was designed to launch a large rubber ball as an even safer option to the suction cup. Lastly, included was a simple, one-piece wooden slingshot with heavy duty rubber bands and a leather-like piece to hold the same balls that the crossbow shoots. Just stretch them back and let the ball fly!

Every now and then, I get to have some real fun with a product review. Popgun Factory provided one of these times. Your customers and their children will have a lot of fun, too! Set up a popgun display and just watch the big kids (dad) try to stop themselves from making that iconic POP sound in the store. Set up a target or two for them to try out the crossbow and slingshot. These wooden toys would fit into any army navy, hardware or sporting goods store year-round. They are also great items to stock around the holidays, including Halloween for costumes.

For wholesale pricing and to get a full list of their handmade wooden products, call 704-880-3105 and ask for Jeremy. Or you can email him directly at scdistnc@gmail.com. As always, make sure to mention that you read this review in ST Magazine, and tell him that you need that nostalgic POP sound in your store!