Iconic Worcester toy store to close
Classic Toy Shop owner Betsy Madson stands with her son Jason in her store.
The Classic Toy Shop that has been providing toys and games to the children of Worcester and surrounding communities for the past 35 years will shut its doors before the end of the year.
The shop, located at 198 Park Ave., will close once the store’s inventory has been depleted, said owner Betsy Madson. While the store continues to do well, selling classic games and toys that play into a child’s development in a positive way, it is time for her to step out from behind the counter and into retirement, she said.
“I am the engine, and after 35 years, I am 65 years old and ready for quiet mornings,” Madson said. “It’s time for me to exit, and I knew that it would be wise to use the season of demand … to empty my shelves.”
When Madson made the announcement Tuesday night via her email list, responses came streaming back to her with tales of the importance of the toys sold at the store, she said.
“All night long, I sat in my chair, and I had personal messages coming back from that email,” Madson said. “I read of the memories people have of generations at my store, and it was an amazing experience.”
The next morning there was a line of shoppers waiting outside the door, she said. Business remained steady throughout the day on Wednesday, she said. She was happy to be able to speak to people in person and let them know that the business was doing well, but the time was just right for her to step away.
“This is supposed to be a happy thing. I am retiring,” Madson said.
She has been in talks with interested parties about taking over the business but was unable to reach an agreement and decided to move forward with closing the business on her own timeline. Madson said she is still open to transferring the business.
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