Tears In Toyland

Iconic New York Toy Store F.A.O. Schwarz To Close In July

Toys R Us is closing the landmark toy store citing high costs.
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It’s often said that the only constant in New York City is change, but it was still surprising to hear that the iconic Fifth Avenue toy store F.A.O. Schwarz will close its doors in July. It’s the last remaining location of the beloved toy brand.

Toys R Us, which bought the F.A.O. Schwarz brand in 2009, announced yesterday that it is shuttering the store’s famous 45,000 square foot Fifth Avenue outpost on July 15th. In the announcement, the company cited the high rent and rising costs of running a retail space on the pricey streets of New York City, as well as the enduring stiff competition from online retailers, according to the AP.

F.A.O. Schwarz lays claim to the title of the oldest toy store in the U.S., as it has had a location in New York City since 1870. The store once had 40 locations across the country, but its shop on Fifth Avenue, which opened in 1986, is the only store remaining. The location features three levels of toy shops, a candy store, LEGO sculptures, a pram outlet, personal shoppers, and, come Christmas time, a mind-blowing array of festivities.

While the loss of the iconic toy store will undoubtedly bring tears to the eyes of many a tot and grown up (especially those carrying the crying tots), Toys R Us claims the F.A.O. brand will continue. “The company is committed to the F. A. O. Schwarz brand,” a statement from Toys R Us read. That means that F.A.O. Schwarz is looking for a new home in New York City, hopefully one large enough to house its famed floor piano. One potential location could perhaps be the flagship Times Square store that Toys R Us is reportedly leaving in 2016.