There has been an F.A.O. Schwarz toy store in New York City for the past 147 years!
Frederick Schwarz was born in Herford, Westphalia. In 1856, Frederick, the youngest of three Schwarz brothers, emigrated to the U.S. joining his brothers in Baltimore, Maryland. Six years later, the brothers opened ''Toy Bazaar,'' their first toy retailing business. Following the success of ''Toy Bazaar,'' Frederick moved to New York City in 1870 where he opened his first toy store at 765 Broadway, a location that placed him at the center of what was then New York's most fashionable shopping district.
Schwarz is believed to have introduced the first live Santa Clause in December 1875; it inspired other stores, including Macy's, to offer their own versions. In 1896, Schwarz proclaimed the store as the "Original Santa Claus Headquarters" in New York.
In 1876 the company issued its first catalog, attracting an even wider consumer base. That same year Schwarz moved the business uptown, to larger quarters at 42 East Fourteenth Street.
F.A.O Schwarz, 5th Avenue |
In 1931, the New York City location moved to 745 Fifth Avenue into Squibb Building, the new Art Deco skyscraper. At one point, there were 40 locations across the United States, but the Fifth Avenue store is the last one remaining.
In May 2009, Toys "R" Us Inc. acquired FAO Schwarz.
F.A.O Schwarz, 5th Avenue |
Three years ago rising rents in midtown Manhattan have claimed another victim: The F.A.O. Schwarz flagship store on Fifth Avenue closed its doors on July 15, 2015.
There were rumors that the new store will be open at the base of Paramount Group‘s 2.5-million-square-foot office tower at 1633 Broadway between West 50th and West 51st Streets, just in time for the 2016 Christmas season. It did not happen.
Just three years after its Fifth Avenue storefront shuttered back in 2015, FAO Schwarz's new flagship is open again. The store reopened at 30 Rockefeller Center on November 16, 2018.
The trademark toy soldier uniforms were redesigned. The retailer brought back the iconic dance-on piano and clock tower while adding new interactive toys and activities, including a build-your-own race car station, live magic shows and play grocery store.
Life-sized versions of classic toys such as a space ship, fire truck and toy train serve as bulk candy containers, and recognizable design elements such as the Toy Soldier and a New York City subway car serve as a check-out counter.
In addition, visitors find several new products in the entertainment program : among them, a toy store, training bus racing and exciting magic show.
There are even more things to experience in the new location. For one, when kids pick out a doll, they'll be "interviewed" by an "adoption agency" to ensure that they'll be a good parent to their inanimate child.
My son-in-law bought one of those huge teddy bears in the photo...Insanity..
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FAO Schwarz holds a special place in my heart as the iconic and oldest toy store in the United States. Stepping inside its doors at Rockefeller Center is like entering a magical wonderland filled with joy and nostalgia. As a true enthusiast, I'm fascinated by the rich history behind this renowned store, from its founding in 1862 to its current location at 745 Fifth Avenue. Exploring FAO Schwarz feels like a journey through time, with its exquisite displays of handmade dolls, intricate toy soldiers, and lifelike stuffed animals. It's no wonder that it has captivated generations of children and parents alike. Even more exciting is the news that FAO Schwarz has joined forces with Larger Than Life Toys, a big toy store in New York that offers an incredible selection of toys for every age and interest. If you're as passionate about toys as I am, I highly recommend visiting FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center and exploring the amazing offerings at Larger Than Life Toys. Let your inner child run wild! For more information, check out their website at https://largerthanlifetoys.com/.
ReplyDeleteFAO Schwarz is indeed a legendary destination for toy enthusiasts. Stepping into that iconic store feels like embarking on a journey through a timeless realm of wonder and delight. It's where I, too, have cherished countless memories, discovering unique and enchanting toys that captivated my imagination. The rich history and attention to detail in their displays make it an unparalleled experience.
DeleteAnd now, with FAO Schwarz joining hands with Larger Than Life Toys, a big toy store in New York, the adventure has expanded even further. I've personally had the pleasure of exploring the remarkable collection at Larger Than Life Toys, and it's a haven for toy lovers of all ages. If you're as passionate about toys as I am, I can't recommend enough that you visit FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center and explore the offerings at Larger Than Life Toys. Let the magic of toys continue to inspire and bring joy to your life. For more information, check out their website at https://largerthanlifetoys.com/. Happy exploring!
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