Toy Store Startup Costs
Help me keep a beloved brick and mortar toy store up and running!
About a month ago I heard that my local toy store, San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe, was planning to close. Although the store was doing well, covid had taken its toll and the relatively new owner was ready to step aside. Within ten minutes of finding out I was on the phone with her and within 24 hours I was letting her know I might possibly, maybe, perhaps be interested in taking over.
It has been a whirlwind of a month and things have moved along- the current owner closes Next week, but I will be opening the shop right back up on March 1st, a little over a month from when I first heard the news.
Although I’d stepped away from my last store, the idea of the importance of brick and mortar retail and the joy of play in the life of every child was never far from my mind. Perhaps even more so as I watched my littlest go quickly through those early stages of development and watching in fascination as she learned through pure play. We must let kids be kids, and we must continue to bring joy to our communities. Never has that mission been more vital than now as we tackle covid.
San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe has been open for 43 years. Located on Huntington Drive, it is in the heart of a “small town America” community just outside Los Angeles. The store is near Old Town Pasadena and the Huntington Museum and Gardens.
In order to open so quickly, I need access to capital for inventory, as well as the dry but essential stuff like insurance, property tax, utilities, bags, tape, wrapping paper, cleaning supplies, etc. There are a few minor covid- related physical improvements I’d like to make as well- such as acrylic shielding around the cash wrap area. I’ll also be providing employees with PPE.
The store is successful and I know it will do well, however, it’s not easy right now to get loans or credit for small business and I can use any help at all.
I’m so looking forward to sharing this new adventure with you my friends! Thank you so much for your support!
