A recent national story about small business struggles by NBC News featured West Side Kids, a long-time UWS toy store located at 498 Amsterdam Avenue at 84th Street. Owner Jenny Bergman told NBC that business is down nearly 60% and that she’s trying to hang on.
In late 2019, West Side Kids teamed up with another kid-centric UWS business: Stationery and Toy World at 125 West 72nd Street. Bergman and Donna Schofeld, Stationery and Toy World’s owner, partnered to boost the sales at each store, referring customers back and forth.
With more and more small businesses closing, two of our favorite UWS toy stores have teamed up to try to boost sales. pic.twitter.com/JYSTzDJ2QI
— I Love The Upper West Side (@iLoveTheUWS) December 23, 2019
As there’s plenty of time for more holiday shopping, please support both West Side Kids and Stationery and Toy World!
Know of another small business going through some challenges? Post about it in our forum!
I bought some shipping tape this morning from Stationery and Toy World on W72nd St. Yes, it was a wee purchase, but I was pleased to do what I could to help one of my favorite local small businesses. I even paid in cash so the store wouldn’t have to pay a fee to a credit card company.
As we all know, urban living has always had its challenges. Most of us have learned from experience to be resillient, tolerant, optimistic, and creative. But if you’re anything like me, your heart hurts each time you pass an old favorite (store, bar, resto, service business, etc.) that has gone under. It’s not only a loss to the owners and staff, it’s yet another hole in our neighborhood.