In this installment of our local holiday shopping series, we spotlight the New Canaan Toy Store on Park Street (free parking in the CVS lot off of Cherry Street). Purchased by new owners five years ago, the Toy Store underwent an extensive renovation during the pandemic.
We talked to sales associate Axl Long. Here’s a transcript of our conversation.
Technic Audi RSQ e-tron off-road rally car. New Canaan Toy Store Sales Associate Axl Long said: “This specific Lego is bluetooth, so when you build it, you build it with a motor in it that comes in a box, and then you can control it with your phone. Through an RC app. So you can make it go and drive different places, it’s really cool.” $199 Credit: Michael Dinan
How has the renovation worked out?
People have loved it because we’re able to interact with the customers because we’re in the middle of the store. It’s a little more packed than usual just now because it’s Christmas time and we have so many items in. But we’re able to help customers with whatever they want. We’ve also made the sections of the store a lot more predominant, like there’s the sports over there, Legos, Barbies, spy stuff.
The Magna-Tiles shelves at New Canaan Toy Store. Credit: Michael Dinan
Tell me about your most popular items. What do people tend to like here?
Legos are always a big seller. We have so many different varieties of Legos, from Ninjago to Gabby’s Dollhouse, Star Wars. Also sensory toys have become very popular recently.
What’s one fun item worth pointing out?
Great Pretenders dress. New Canaan Toy Store Sales Associate Axl Long said: “Great Pretender products are awesome because little love to dress up. We also have fireman stuff and worker stuff. The amount of times I’ve seen a little kid come in here dressed up as a princess.” $49.99 Credit: Michael Dinan
The Magna Tiles are these magnetic squares and triangles you can put together and build different creations with. We have some specific ones like the Safari ones and Jungle theme, but we have other ones that are not theme-specific so kids can build whatever they want out of them. A child’s imagination is incredible. I did an internship at a preschool and these were a huge hit. Kids build some crazy things.
How has the early going of the holiday shopping season been?
Barbie Celebration Fun. New Canaan Toy Store Sales Associate Axl Long said: “Barbie stuff has always been popular but now, after the movie, it’s become even more so. We have Barbie things from the movie and other Barbie dolls, a million different types—mermaid, horse riding, veterinarian. It just really shows different paths that people can take.” $59.99 Credit: Michael Dinan
We’ve got a lot of receiving recently, a bunch of pallets of stuff, stocking up for the Christmas season. People have been coming in asking for things wrapped for Christmas. We’re happy to help. We’re very kind to the customers. We step in if they need help finding gifts for their kids. A lot of people come here for birthday parties, too.
New Canaan Toy Store at 94 Park St. is open Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 10-4.