When the beloved FAO Schwarz toy store closed its flagship Fifth Avenue location in 2015 after 145 years in business, kids and adults alike were heartbroken. The space has since been transformed into an Apple store, but many people still envision a toy soldier parked outside the Fifth Avenue local when they pass by.
Toys 'R' Us, who owned FAO Schwarz at the time, claimed that a rise in rent was the cause of the closing. However, it was recently announced that FAO Schwarz will reopen as soon as fall 2018!
At 19,000 square feet, the new location will be much smaller than its original 61,000-square-foot location. However, it will be in a prime spot: the old NBC Experience store, which around the holidays is right next to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. FAO Schwarz will occupy two floors and reside between West 49th and 50th streets. With the opening of the iconic NYC toy store slated for the fall, this will give visitors just enough time to do their holiday shopping.
FAO Schwarz was acquired by ThreeSixty Group in 2016 and they have reportedly signed a long-term lease with Tishman-Speyer, which means we can look forward to toy soldiers, oversized stuffed animals, and large floor pianos for years to come.
Over the recent holiday season, FAO Schwarz launched a Retern to Wonder collection exclusive to department stores across the country called Return to Wonder. It was unveiled in October at Bergdorf Goodman at an event that included Katie Holmes and FAO Schwarz's famous giant piano dance mat. The collection included specialty items, holiday décor, and toys.
The news of FAO Schwarz returning to NYC certainly comes as a relief to New Yorkers and tourists alike who have so many fond memories of the store. I remember taking trips to the original location with my father who told me it was a “toy museum” (nothing could be bought), and I can't wait to bring my own sons there this fall.
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