An Iconic Toy Store Closes After 44 Years
A cherished toy store on the Upper West Side has officially shut down after more than four decades of operations. The owners have pointed to the rise of online shopping and ongoing tariff issues, which they describe as a “deadly double whammy.”
Westside Kids, located at West 84th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, announced this week that it will cease operations at the end of July. For longtime customers, the “magic” of shopping in person has faded, as many now prefer to shop on Amazon instead.
“We’ve seen families raise their children,” said Jennifer Bergman, 58, the owner of the store. “Now those kids are having kids, and we’re helping them raise theirs,” she shared with a sense of nostalgia. “You come in, and I can suggest just the right toy for a child based on their interests. I even remember their names. When things seem unsafe, we do our best to ensure they feel secure here.”
Bergman faced a tough decision when she found out the store’s revenue had plummeted by 43% compared to last June, marking a 20% decrease since 2023. The family-owned store celebrated its 44th anniversary last September, but has seen a wave of closures sweep through the area over the past decade, exacerbated by the pandemic and inflation.
Traditionally, toy stores, offering everything from Lego to clothing and books, competed fiercely with online retailers. Yet, the steadfast loyalty of local customers had previously kept them afloat. Unfortunately, this loyalty hasn’t been enough in recent years, as customers gravitated towards Amazon’s lower prices.
“I really can’t compete with those prices, nor do I want to. I run an ethical business that takes care of my employees. I pay fair wages, provide health insurance, and offer holiday pay,” Bergman explained. The increasing tariff costs have ultimately pushed her decision, squeezing the already small profits further.
The store was originally founded in 1981 by Bergman’s mother and her best friend as a consignment clothing shop for children, gradually expanding its offerings.
In the 1990s, there were around ten toy stores on the Upper West Side, but over the years, they have all closed, leaving Westside Kids as one of the last standing.
Now that it’s closing, locals are reflecting on their memories. “It’s sad because it represents a different time in New York City,” said Sue Woodman, who visited the store to buy puzzles for her grandson. “The neighborhood has really changed; it’s so full of restaurants and nightlife now, far removed from where I used to bring my kids.”
Sylvia Parker, who operates a nearby gift shop, expressed her disappointment, noting that interesting shops like this seem to be disappearing. “You can walk down Broadway and see so many empty storefronts,” she commented. “It’s disheartening to witness these changes.”
Parker added that as a store owner herself, it’s challenging to manage a business amid uncertain rent and tariff fluctuations. “I have no idea what the fall or holiday season will look like,” she lamented.
Local mother Sarah, who requested her last name be kept private, voiced her fears that the closure would take away precious memories with her children, aged 7, 4, and 1. “It can’t compare to shopping online. The magic just disappears,” Sarah mused. “Coming here took me back to my childhood. I used to create wish lists and dream about what my parents would pick for me.”
