FAO Schwarz: Where Did the Magic Go?
A Toy Story for the Ages
Okay, so, let's talk about FAO Schwarz. If you're under 30, you might be thinking, "Who's that?" But for the rest of us, the name evokes images of towering teddy bears, mind-boggling dollhouses, and a giant piano that made grown adults act like toddlers. It was the Disney World of toy stores, where dreams were made of plastic and plush.
The Golden Age
The original FAO Schwarz was a Fifth Avenue institution. It was where you went to buy a toy that would make your kid the envy of the playground, or, if you were feeling particularly indulgent, yourself. Remember that iconic scene from "Big" where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia tickle the ivories on that ginormous piano? Yeah, that piano. It was the stuff of legends.
The Fall and Rise
Sadly, the original Fifth Avenue store closed its doors in 2015. It was like losing a beloved family pet, only with more glitter and less fur. But fear not, toy lovers! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes (or, more accurately, like a really expensive toy rising from liquidation), FAO Schwarz was reborn in Rockefeller Center.
Now, the new store is definitely impressive, but it's like comparing a shiny new sports car to a classic convertible. The old store had character, soul. It was like walking into a magical wonderland. The new store? Well, it's more like a really well-stocked toy department.
Where's the Nostalgia?
I know, I know. I’m sounding like a grumpy old man. But come on, the original FAO Schwarz was more than just a store. It was an experience. It was a place where you could lose yourself in a world of imagination. The new store is great for finding that perfect gift, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the old one.
So, the next time you’re in New York and feeling nostalgic, take a walk down Fifth Avenue and remember the glory days of FAO Schwarz. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll spot a ghost shopper, pushing a toy car through the empty space where the magic once lived.
How to...
- How to find the new FAO Schwarz: It's located in Rockefeller Center, New York City.
- How to relive the magic: Watch "Big" and pretend you're Tom Hanks.
- How to save money on toys: Wait for the after-Christmas sales.
- How to make your kid happy: Buy them a classic toy, like a teddy bear or a dollhouse.
- How to feel old: Reminisce about the original FAO Schwarz.