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Co-owner Brekke Hewitt, 32, who bought the business five years ago, said the toy store is about to renew a long-term lease for its location at 121 Fifth Ave. S.E. The store is in its 19th year.
“Remodeling and staying right where we are was the best decision for us,” she said.
The business won’t close during the remodel but will move to a temporary location at 509 Washington St. S.E., across from the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. It will be open at the temporary location March 4-29, and then a grand opening is set for March 30 at the renovated site.
The renovations will include raising the ceilings four feet, adding new carpet and new paint, and creating a small room near the front of the store that will be a destination for gift wrapping and to pick up online orders. Also among the renovations is a plan to treat the store windows so graffiti can be easily removed.
“Our windows are fairly etched up,” she said, “but knock on wood, we haven’t had a broken one.”
Hewitt wouldn’t disclose the renovation costs.
She said the business had a good holiday shopping season, although it wasn’t better than last year’s.
“Times are tight for everyone,” Hewitt said, “but people support us and we’re thankful that every day we get to be there for them and their kids.”
Tuesday was no different, as a steady stream of customers stopped at the store.
Sarah Tracy of Lacey said the business has been a frequent destination for her and her two children, who sometimes spend 30 to 45 minutes during a visit. Tracy said she enjoys the toy selection, the personalized service and the game-rental program.
“It’s been one of our favorite places, whether it’s for purchase or for play,” she said. She also likes the gift-wrapping service because she can get a gift wrapped and then head straight to a birthday party.
Chere Cline of Olympia said she frequently visits the store with her grandchildren.
“I like the unusual selection of toys that you can’t find anywhere else,” she said. “It’s bright and friendly, and I like the layout.”
The temporary location also will be “nice and cozy,” Hewitt said, because it measures about 600 square feet compared with the store’s existing 3,500 square feet of space. Hewitt owns another toy store in Seattle called Dragon’s Toy Box.
Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403
rboone@theolympian.com
www.theolympian.com/bizblog
