A New Home for Tom’s Toys in Great Barrington
Posted by: Dan Shaw
Posted on: Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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Full Article
For more than a decade in Great Barrington, Tom’s Toys has managed the amazing feat of being an independently-owned toy store that appeals as much to conscientious parents as to consumerist children. It’s a Barbie-free zone where toys with television tie-ins are not welcome. “We don’t carry Fisher-Price either, but we do carry Lego, though it’s tough for a small store like ours to get shipments.” says owner Tom Levin. In an age of discount chains and internet bargain-hunting, he has managed to create a joyful environment where shoppers are willing to pay full-price because he sells toys that will engage children’s imaginations. (He does carry Webkinz—the stuffed animals that have alter egos on the Internet—but he does not really approve of them.) “I like toys that require kids to make up stories,” says Levin, who also owns JWS Art Supplies on Railroad Street.
After paying rent at 307 Main Street for more than a decade, Levin decided to buy the building next door and create a much larger version of Tom’s Toys, which opened its doors two weeks ago. (It will have a grand opening on April 25.) Designed by local architects Clark & Green, the airy store features colorful custom light towers and enough shelf space for Levin to neatly display box after box of Playmobils and Bruder trucks. “I like to carry lines in depth,” he says, explaining that the German-made trucks are phenomenally well made. “You can actually squirt water from the hose of the fire truck.” He carries old-fashioned Madame Alexander dolls (the green witch from Wicked is the best seller) and newfangled dolls like Groovy Girls. “They’re modern rag dolls,” he says. “They’re the anti-Barbie—no big boobs!” (And reasonably priced at $12 - $18.) He carries lots of puzzles, craft projects, books, science kits, miniature toy soldiers and stuffed animals of all sizes. “I have something for every imaginable child.”
Tom’s Toys
297 Main Street, Great Barrington; 413.528.3330
Monday - Friday 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM
