With all the crazy news going on in the world these days the last thing we ever expected was an announcement in the New York Times that F.A.O.Schwarz is closing its doors on Fifth Avenue.
Quoting the Times article: "The legendary toy store on Fifth Avenue will close its doors July 15, a victim of rising rents and ultraluxury retailing in New York City's hottest shopping district."
For millions of us who have known this store since childhood this is truly heartbreaking news. And for millions more who've seen the movie 'Big', who can forget Tom Hanks romping around inside and dancing 'Chopsticks' on the floor piano?
Sitting there on Fifth Avenue in the very midst of ultra high-end retailers and surrounded by neighbors like the Plaza Hotel, Bergdorf's, Cartier and Tiffany's, Schwarz was like the crown jewel of the whole neighborhood - a children's toy store in the very epicenter of all the opulence. Like a heart throb to remind us what a society and culture is all about.
Schwarz is not closing its doors altogether, just looking for lower rent somewhere off Fifth Avenue. Founded in Baltimore in 1862 by Frederick August Otto Schwarz, the store has held a New York location since 1870 and will be around for many more years to come in one form or another.
We'll look forward to hearing the new location, but we're going to miss the Fifth Avenue store big time - especially their charming windows at Christmas with the little trains running around. Allowing rising rents to push Schwarz off Fifth seems like a sad and insidious crime, doesn't it? Who's next to flee? Tiffany's? Cartier?
Unthinkable? Well then why is Schwarz having to move out?
Thanks for stopping by,
Andrew
I read the same article Andrew and almost cried. My daughter loves this store so much, as did I when I was a child. I doubt 5th Avenue will become a slum but it is truly sad Schwarz has to leave. I guess toys don't bring in the same kind of money that Tiffany diamonds do.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that's the reason, Andrea, but it's still hard to accept. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteAndrew
One of my favorite childhood memories, visiting FAO Schwartz at Christmas. I think for kids, it was heaven. Haven't been to NY in years, but I always thought of going back to Schwartz as an adult to see if it was still magical. This is a shame.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolute heaven for kids and probably their parents as well in seeing their delight. Fifth Avenue will never be the same.
DeleteAndrew