What happened to Toy Stores!?

What happened to Toy Stores!?
Main Channel
/ @toyfederation
Our Toy Show
www.retro-toycon.com
Producer Channel
/ @toyattics
Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast! In this special episode, recorded live at JoeFest 2024, Ryan and Tony take a nostalgic journey through the history of toy stores in America. Join us as we dive deep into the rise and fall of these beloved retail havens, exploring what made them magical and why so many have disappeared from the landscape.
The Golden Age of Toy Stores
Ryan and Tony kick things off by reminiscing about the golden age of toy stores. Remember the excitement of walking into a Toys "R" Us or KB Toys, where the aisles were filled with the latest and greatest toys? We discuss how these stores became cultural landmarks, fostering a sense of wonder and joy for generations of kids.
The Changing Landscape
As times changed, so did the retail environment. Our hosts delve into the economic and social factors that led to the decline of many iconic toy stores. From the rise of big-box retailers like Walmart and Target to the advent of online shopping, we analyze how these shifts impacted the traditional toy store model.
Nostalgia Overload
For many of us, toy stores were more than just places to buy toys-they were destinations of dreams. Ryan and Tony share their personal memories of visiting toy stores as kids, recounting the thrill of finding that one perfect toy and the hours spent browsing the shelves. These stories highlight the unique role toy stores played in our childhoods and why they hold such a special place in our hearts.
Favorite Toy Lines
No trip down memory lane would be complete without discussing some favorite toy lines. Ryan and Tony dive into a treasure trove of vintage toys, including:
Spider-Man: From the classic Mego figures to the more modern Marvel Legends, we explore the evolution of Spider-Man toys and why this web-slinging hero continues to captivate collectors.
Vintage Star Wars: A staple of many childhoods, the original Kenner Star Wars line revolutionized the toy industry. Our hosts discuss their favorite figures and the lasting impact of Star Wars toys on pop culture.
Kenner Alien: Though not as mainstream as other lines, Kenner's Alien figures have a cult following. Ryan and Tony talk about the allure of these eerie and beautifully designed toys.
Vintage Toys in General: From G.I. Joe to Transformers, He-Man to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we celebrate the wide array of vintage toys that have left an indelible mark on our lives.
The Resurgence of Toy Stores
In recent years, we've seen a resurgence of independent toy stores and specialty shops. Ryan and Tony explore how these new players are filling the void left by the giants of the past. By focusing on niche markets, providing personalized customer service, and fostering a community of collectors, these stores are keeping the spirit of the traditional toy store alive.
Live from JoeFest 2024
Recording live from JoeFest 2024 adds an extra layer of excitement to this episode. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts and industry insiders, our hosts capture the vibrant energy of the event. We also get some exclusive insights and interviews with other collectors and toy experts, making this episode a must-watch for any toy aficionado.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! What are your favorite memories of toy stores? Do you have a cherished toy line that you'd like us to discuss in future episodes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Toy Federation Podcast.
Stay Connected
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Thank you for joining us on this trip down memory lane. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering the magic of vintage toys, we hope this episode brings back fond memories and inspires new ones. Happy collecting!

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

What toy store did you buy from as a kid?

[@bw2273]

Hills is where the toys are

[@Sir3illy]

toys r us and kb toys

[@Pietaster]

I grew up in small town Kansas so there was no toy store near by. I think the closest Toys R Us was 5 hours away. Had to make due with Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sears, ALCO, etc.

[@PACKYCSONE80]

Toys r us and toys by Roy in Albuquerque

[@Sniper-Dave]

Zayre, Sears, Treasury Drugs, Lionel Playworld, Ben Franklin, Toys R Us, and KB toys.

[@9to5warriors]

Thanks for the shoutout 🙏🏽 Toy stores are the lifeline to indie toys that otherwise wouldn’t be discovered. Just like a good record store employee back in the day would introduce you to new music based on a song you liked, a great toy store staff member can help you find unique and exciting toys you might not discover otherwise. We need more toy stores like this; without them, we're stuck buying the same familiar items over and over again.

[@GOLF4METOO]

In California, Service Merchandise Store had one item displayed, and then you would write the stock number down. Then, go to a counter , and they would retrieve that item from their warehouse. Then you would go to the register and pay for it.

[@cjaccardo]

I worked in the electronics department at Setvice merchandise in the early 90’s for 3 years. All pricey merchandise was held in the warehouse and you had to bring a slip to a checkout counter to get the merchandise. All inexpensive items were available on shelf. Really enjoying your Chanel!

[@oldmanlikeslego]

I 63 Years live in Tampa Bay. Your store is on my Bucket List when I retired

[@caroljavalera8508]

I’ve been waiting for Tony to be on the podcast. You guys have great convos about old times

[@ericfromphoenix3566]

Great conversation. Thanks for pulling the curtain back a little bit for us in this episode.

[@C_Har]

I worked at a Toys R Us-one of the best jobs I ever had.

[@Halffastbum]

I was happy going to the dollar store to get those green army figures. Imagination at its finest. Even the ice-cream truck would sell the airplane with the parachute that would deploy after you shot it upwards with a rubber band/slingshot. Those were the days Jack!

[@stephenbarone4053]

This is quickly becoming my favorite KZbin channel. Thanks for the free entertainment.

[@redfin01]

I take my kids to stores to pick a toy for good grades. As my Mom did that for me growing up. She took me to comic book stores/conventions, Wal-Mart, Kay-Bees, & Toy R Us. Ahhh the memories! Thank you Ryan & Tony for sharing your experiences.

[@goldschool9050]

I bought toys at Zayres back in the 80's

[@erickuser1115]

Childrens Palace toy store was one of my favorite places to buy toys

[@andreagibson1530]

Wow…..two honest, from the heart groovy dudes……most awesome! Thanx & God bless

[@The-Saucefather]

I just heard you talk about that guy that had extra accessories? I'm a collector to and I always save all my weapons from Joe's Ninja turtles Star wars transformers He-Man. I think it's a good idea to post things you need because I would definitely send you some things if you need it. And on the other side you'll be able to sell more stuff and have content for your podcast which I love!!! Rommain Duluth Minnesota, toy collector also.

[@dmc2008]

I'm only a third into this, but I can confidently say it's a great episode. Great work gentlemen, keep it up!

[@Pietaster]

I like to see Tony show up in Convention videos. He seems to share my love for Transformers. I would love to see you guys have a conversation about the line. Maybe do a spotlight on specific lines and cover several pieces. Cheers!

[@SargeRedsVintageToys]

The birthday, good grade etc experience is always fun to see. I think these toy companies are shooting themselves in the foot by ignoring the local shops. The online/toy aisle in big-box shops cannot compare to the wonderment kids have when they come to shops like ours.

[@edospina97]

49th street in Hialeah had Toys R Us, Playworld, and Service Merchandise.

[@ninjasec]

You have grown so much,that a co worker asked if I watched. I told him i have been since the beginning. He's hooked too. We're in 🇨🇦

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

That's awesome!

[@chrispuckett620]

when i was a kid we had service merchandise and Johnny's toys the sent you a card in the mail for your birthday with a key in it and you got to go in this castle inside there and get a free gift it was awesome

[@8830483]

Heck yeah. Sevice Merchandise. Expensive, but they had some hard to find stuff. That place was a trip.

[@nabzy28]

The Starting Lineup conventions back in the mid to late 90's were so fun. Trading in the lobbies, papers and post it notes stuck in every elevator so people could trade and sell until 3am, lol. Would barely sleep for 2 or 3 days.

[@LoganWood121]

Service Merchandise baby! I remember scoring some Last Action Hero figures there. Miss that place. This was in Jackson, Tennessee, right behind the Old Hickory Mall.

[@KatelynJewel]

I'm pretty sure some of these kids who are being rewarded for their behavior are also going to Target since it has the biggest toy aisle of any retail store. There's also book stores. I remember as a kid, I went to Barnes and Noble as a reward for cleaning up my bedroom and got two Madeline books in the children's section there. Barnes and Noble is the only of my favorite childhood stores remaining, and I hope it never goes away.

[@andrewp.8406]

I live in Toronto, CAN, and back in the 70's and 80's we had a store called Consumers Distributing and it was the same thing, you had to fill out a form and select the toy you wanted from a catalog.

[@Jirizo1]

Love this podcast. It's wild to me that you guys grew up where I did, naming malls are stores and roads I am very familiar with. I really need to go check out Knowhere Comics at some point

[@KnowNothingNerd]

Going to the toy store is a big deal for me as a parent. My kids don't want to wait (even with next day shipping) to order a toy. Exactly as you said, kids want to walk around and see what they can spend their money on. I live near Tokyo and we still have a traditional candy shop (like a penny candy store) and the kids just love picking out things. I also grew up near Ft. Lauderdale and Miami and don't remember Toys R Us until much later, but it was one far away. It was always Lionel Play World (I think off Hwy 1 on the south end of Pompano Beach).

[@antr7493]

My Service Merchandise had tags you would take to register and then you waited at pickup for the item

[@WagesofCine]

It was great seeing you at JoeFest. Can’t wait to make it over to check out the Toy Federation store.

[@cowgodx]

I love hearing you guys talk about the toy stores Hialeah in the 80's, it's when and where I grew up.

[@markemry7605]

This was my favorite podcast to date. If you could get Kurt Russell that would be amazing

[@gacha_weirdness1017]

Born in 1980....Little town in WV...we had Hecks ...Ames and a 10 minute car ride would get you to a Hills....

[@joseortega7815]

Why does this have the feel of a Pro Wrestling interview? Lol It must be the hotel room.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I look forward to this every week guy, keep it up! 👍

[@darthsmoker420]

It's sad. Eventually those collections from 80s childhoods stored in their parents basements will eventually dry up. It can't go on forever. Eventually collectors and vendors will have it all.

[@FromTheDungeonPodcast]

I love it when you two guys get together at the shows and start talking toys and hanging out, i’ve always wondered if you guys were childhood friends maybe I’ve missed it if you said it in other episodes, I don’t remember love the show podcast. I’m enjoying all the toys.

[@dimitrilafleur4467]

born in 78, and originally from NJ. Consumers, a box store, was the same as story retold at around 14:00...also shopped at WoolWorth in Newark and Kearny had Ben Franklins - basement was all toys!

[@LoganWood121]

KB Toys was always my go too. We didn't get a TRU until around 1997-1998.

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

KB!!

[@LoganWood121]

@ToyFederationPodcastchannel The KB discount bins most always resulted in finding a few gems buried within. Good times.

[@darrenhommell3414]

yo thats love fam!!!!! awesome!!!!!!

[@oldmanlikeslego]

In New Jersey back in 1960/1970s Two Guys similar to Todays Walmart

[@johnbednar3191]

We had a Two Guys in Bethlehem, PA. I remember as a kid that was the place to go for toys.

[@stevecherney1612]

Toys r us, kb toys, Kmart, Target for me in Minnesota. Born 1980

[@kenrothermel9066]

Grew up in south Florida as well. Still here. Lionel playworld was my favorite as a kid.

[@8830483]

Homie is rockin' the Intellvision t-shirt! Love it. Bee-seventeen booomber!

[@laserbender2773]

Now we need an Astro Smash shirt.

[@toomuchnewtoys]

The Turbo Pork Art on 9 to 5 warriors is so good

[@FoeHammer909]

Our Service Merchandise was the same I remember lots of electronics ... we also had a Children's palace .... that turned into a Toys R Us

[@FoeHammer909]

The good old day

[@antr7493]

WOW Service Merchandise Christmas catalog was awesome. They were closer to me than Toy R Us. memories

[@FoeHammer909]

@@antr7493 Hill"s and Wolworth had Gi joes had Transformers too

[@FoeHammer909]

And Jamesway

[@darthsmoker420]

K-mart was where most of my toys came from. KB toys would be the toy store of my childhood

[@miguelpanty]

For anyone that grew up in Montgomerey County Maryland in the 80s and 90s we had a Lionel Kiddie City where the Crown Books used to be in White Flint. KB Toys was at White Flint Mall and Montgomery Mall. Juvenile Sales Co. Toys was in Wheaton (where the CVS on University Blvd. is) and off of Rockville Pike past Montgomerey college. And Toys R Us was on Rockville Pike (where Pike n Rose is) and Gaithersburg (where the Burlington is).

[@ChrisKemp-q5s]

Toys'R'Us, KB and Children's Palace when I got to go out somewhere for the weekend, otherwise it was Ames, Roses and K-Mart

[@ChrisKemp-q5s]

The discussion about the home town con feel vs the convention center, for me nothing illustrates this better than the feel of the first 3 SW Celebrations (especially the first one in Denver) vs whatever the abomination is that they've become.

[@SoulBrother_01]

Eye worked at Zayre from 1987-88....

[@indigomontoya22]

I remember that Service Merchandise off Kendall Drive by the Hammocks area.

[@niz76]

We got a lot of our Joes from 3D Department Store as kids.

[@laserbender2773]

If you're talking about Vintage Kenner Alien toys, don't forget the hand held movie viewer.

[@bryanincognito3982]

Toys r us was the only real toy store around where I grew up. Never got to go when I was a kid, though. I had to wait until I was 30 before I stepped foot inside a toys r us, and unfortunately, they went out of business about a year later

[@Wezt334]

So I’m in the UK, I grew up in a city called Canterbury and there was a department store called Ricemans, it had 7 storeys and 1 of those was devoted to toys. It was there that I would look and buy my toys from particularly my Toybiz Spider-Man collection

[@nuketheswamp7774]

Toys R Us, Best Products, KB Toys, GemCo, FedCo, Sears, K-Mart, Pennys..... somewhat in order of prominence.

[@donnied74]

Awesomeness Im jealous i wish I was at joefest

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

you gotta come!

[@Toyenhancer]

Holy crap where did you guys grow up?. Toys “R” Us was kicking right before Nintendo came out if you remember correctly. And service merchandise had tons of merchandise. I don’t remember ordering or having to do so. if you needed something there, it was in the back and it normally came down a conveyor belt, 😂😂 have another drink fellas ,it’ll come back to you eventually😂😂😂😂

[@idleivey]

It's the new Skybound imprint driving Joe sales, no doubt.

[@hitman-ls1lo]

KB-Toys, Toys r Us and FAO Shwarz where the only toy shops but picked some up at TG$Y and other dept. stores

[@BixRivers.]

The grocery stores used to have some decent toy sections

[@AlexandertheSmith]

Cols. Ohio Children's Palace and a department store called Gold Circle. as a kid those top shelves may as well have been three stories high. now the only toy only store is Big Fun, a locally owned store similar to Toy Federation. you guys know Big Fun? not a bad idea to keep a decentralized inventory. forgot about k-mart!

[@ukid10]

Kb toys was my life

[@80sKid.]

Toytown forever! It was a huge warehouse of toys, basically. Then there was ToyWorld, which was in shopping centres all over town. Local department stores were my main spots, tho. John Martin's aka "Johnnies" had a HUGE toy department. Big W was pretty good, too. Toys R Us didn't come to Straya til the 90s. Heaps of my mates got jobs there when it opened up. Applied, got an interview but didn't get the gig. Damn. Spewing at the time. In hindsight, it was prolly a good thing, lol. Leika is a big toy retailer in Sewden. When I was over there a few years ago, I took my nephews in every Friday, a tie-in to their weekly candy run (Swedish kids smash the local candy store every weekend.) Little bastards cost me a fortune, lmao...

[@PACKYCSONE80]

Those old toys r us orange price stickers were so hard to get off back in the day. I don't think you remove them with destroying the box

[@numbaonestunna4806]

Sleeveless hoodies are crazy

[@Kael1413]

I think as I got older Wal-mart was the place even in the late 80's. Before that we would go to Sears or Montgomery Ward, Every now and then we would get to go to Toys-r-us

[@ironghostrotation]

Mine is "anime hurricane" "electronics boutique" "ebtoys" "toys r us"

[@s3rgio711]

I like the comparison to art because it is art

[@timbo1992]

Let get Devon on the podcast!!

[@richardlong7950]

Kurt Russell also wear an Eye Patch in "Captain Ron".

[@edospina97]

Are you going to be at Florida Supercon?

[@bertrandteap4883]

That’s so funny-my wife hates Red Lobster, too.

[@AlwaysbeingLu]

o-ring didn't sell because hasbro was charging $40+ for two figures. The o-rings should have been collector friendly since it was sold on pulse. They failed all around. The figures were also re-casted from original molds, which is why SS and SE couldn't stand right.

[@deathbob091]

tombstone is a legendary film

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

It's the best.

[@MLustrous]

​@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel It's definitely one of the magnificent 7.

[@tomlappin9657]

Bought from K mart , KayBee Toys,

[@ADAM_COLLECTS]

Kurt Russell wore an eye-patch in the Escape movies and Captain Ron…. it’s avoidable, but he is still cool as heck

[@BrianAnthony-cf8md]

Oh yeah kB toy store

[@flyfly2427]

Alot if ppl owned these rare toys. Over the yrs lost the large parts but have random small parts that are hard to find. These ppl are the ones who can give the little hard to find parts. Otherwise it gets thrown away.. I have weapons and accessories but jit the figures

[@markpedersen3848]

It was an Alien Target set with a suction cup dart gun.

[@itsme-notyou]

Children's Palace and KB

[@tech1nocat]

Your mate sounds like Badger from breaking bad….

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

KB Toy Store, Toys R Us and Child World

[@frankvelez691]

Edit: add pics of the things you are talking about

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

It’s a podcast

[@frankvelez691]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel Get some guests, then

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Guess you didn’t watch this week’s episode

[@pbgijoe]

I got that Princess Leia Hoth from servers' merchandise

[@mikegeyer4138]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

thanks for watching and commenting!

[@owenhutnick789]

Best

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Best?

[@3dge7]

In America don't large supermarkets have a lot of toys? Toys'R'us for me

[@UNDERLINEDINC]

What’s the name of Tony’s store? I frequent South FL a biiiit, and would love to stop by.

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Knowhere Toys

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

When Sears went under because of theft, about 11 years ago, me and my good friends, went in there because they were having a 60% off power tools. I bought a bunch of stuff. Commemorating that this store was the place to go at Christmas time. They had beautiful window displays. And I bought a bunch of things I had put on a blacklist for years. Craftsman style stuff is the best 😂❤

[@travisoutland2936]

Dude, how can you talk about Kurt Russel and not include Big Trouble in Little China and Tango and Cash!!!!

[@bw2273]

Big Trouble is #1 movie I think of when I think Kurt Russel. For some reason #2 is Overboard haha, I love that movie, and he's great in it

[@toys2cool]

fun fact Miami had toy r us's as early as 84

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Yep, like I said, it came later.

[@BrianAnthony-cf8md]

Kiddie city,toys r us

[@cerd6292]

You need to budget your cash flow. Preset the amount you can spend each month based on sales and then pick and choose inventory based on rarity and need. Welcome to the next level of business bud. As you grow, what worked before will not work at this new level, so you have to make a new plan or you will mismanage yourself out of business.

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Huh?

[@bigsteed007]

Hasbro has a license to print money with G.I. Joe and they end the pre order for the stinger in like 2 days and call it “sold out” Do they not want casual collectors or people to be newly introduced to have a chance to throw money at them?

[@Chronically0nline]

You’re shocked?

[@bigsteed007]

@@Chronically0nline , absolutely shocked!! What company thinks it’s a good idea to only make a fraction of what they’re capable of? Do we really live in a world now where if you don’t buy a toy in the first couple of days of its release, you’re out of luck?

[@Chronically0nline]

@@bigsteed007 I promise I'm not trying to sound rude, but you must be new to collecting. Hasbro does not care about us. It's all for corporate number crunch meetings and pleasing shareholders.

[@mntngr346]

@@Chronically0nlinewouldn’t selling more please shareholders???

[@bigsteed007]

@@Chronically0nline, I don’t get how that’s smart business.

[@John_Papasergio]

I had to do a double take, I thought this guy was Eddie Kingston from AEW. I feel like he’s got to be related to him

[@heartlandvintage]

Toys r us

[@jeremybrownfield1025]

Here where am in WV the place to go for joes and transformers was the old Hill's and Hartz department stores, those were good.times but i will say that whoever did the ordering for transformers was an idiot because they would order a dozen of 3 or 4 lame ones and we seemed to never get the cool ones, ive never seen a megatron or seeker in the wild. Btw we also had KB but it was nothing compared to the 2 i mentioned

[@howtheworldworks89]

I really wanna thumbs up this but...that count tho

[@ToyFederationPodcastchannel]

Huh?

[@howtheworldworks89]

@@ToyFederationPodcastchannel it was at 666

[@darrenhommell3414]

why can't hasbro make o rings? I dont know why truly....

[@nabzy28]

Today's take away: ... "you just pick some random person and give 'em some goodness"