The owner of Learning Express, one of the few small toy stores left in Cary, has only heard bad news recently. Slowing sales have pushed two of his competitors to close shop: The Toy Chest and AbraKIDabra recently announced that they’re moving operations to online only.

Then he was watching the news and was inspired.

He said the program had been criticized by viewers for being doom and gloom, all the time. Layoffs. Drugs. War. More lay-offs. They responded by making a point to offer an uplifting story every night.

Meredith thought, “I could be that story.”

He wants everyone to know he’s one small businessman of many weathering the economic storm. He gave his 19 employees raises this year and is even considering opening up a third location in Apex.

“We’re doing good. Our customers are happy,” he said.

But he’s no Pollyanna. He admits business is a little slower than last year and he’s had to get creative. He offers free gift wrapping for those parents racing off to a weekend birthday party. He’s having shipments for both his Cary and Durham stores sent to one location to save on freight. He went down to one gift card terminal for both stores to save $50 a month.

And he’s counting on clever promotions, like the Bunny Buffet. For $25 or more, you pick a plastic, pastel bucket and fill it with Easter goodies. The bucket is personalized with the child’s name and wrapped in cellophane. Used in place of the traditional Easter basket, which Meredith said “usually ends up sitting in an attic somewhere,” the bucket can become a beach or pool accessory in the summer.

It’s this practicality that Meredith hopes will appeal to parents. It’s a subject he’s familiar with — the father of two small toddlers is about to add twins to his brood. His wife is due before the end of March.

He explained a battle of wits he recently had with his 2-year-old, who wanted to wear Crocs to school, which aren’t allowed. He told her she could wear them, but it would mean she couldn’t go to school. Given that both he and his wife couldn’t stay home with her that day, he knew he was venturing into risky territory.

“But I know she loves school,” he said. “She wore her sneakers.”

If Meredith can channel that foresight into his business, hopefully Cary won’t lose another toy store anytime soon.