FAO Schwarz, the iconic toy store, first opened its doors in Manhattan in 1870 and relocated to its current location in 1986. This was just two years prior to the unforgettable scene in “Big,” where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia played “Heart and Soul” on the store’s famous giant piano. If you’ve watched films like “Mighty Aphrodite,” “Baby Boom,” or even the recent Smurfs movie, you’ve likely seen this legendary establishment. For those fortunate enough to visit, the store’s wonder exceeded any cinematic portrayal.
I fondly recall playing on that grand piano myself. I watched my younger brother leap joyfully into a mountain of plush puppies, his arms extending in an embrace of sheer delight. Each stuffed animal felt softer and cuter than any we had encountered before. The store featured breathtaking Lego displays, creative craft stations, and opportunities to personalize dolls and Muppets, all enhanced by an impressive candy department.
I’m not the only one feeling a sense of loss. After moving to New York, visiting the flagship store became a ritual for my friends and me, regardless of whether they had children. It was also a hotspot for celebrity sightings, likely because they were among the few able to splurge on its treasures. I once spotted singer Gwen Stefani shortly after No Doubt’s breakout success. I can still picture myself trailing a celebrity I couldn’t quite place, thinking, “He looks like a slimmer, more adult version of Al Franken.” Turns out, it was indeed Franken, who had transformed in the years since I last saw him on TV. Once I recognized him, I respectfully stepped back and allowed him to shop undisturbed.
Yet, the allure of FAO Schwarz extended beyond its famous patrons. The Fifth Avenue location was the epitome of the toy store we all envision in our daydreams, sparking a resurgence of childhood wonder. The moment you stepped through those doors, all cynicism faded away. The sight of enormous stuffed giraffes and toys soaring through the store made you forget about the weight of shopping and rising costs; it was pure playtime magic.
And that is what we will all miss the most.
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In summary, FAO Schwarz represented a magical escape in the heart of New York City. Its closure marks the end of an era, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound sense of nostalgia.