Lisa Ripkin in her current shop. Photo courtesy Lisa Ripkin
Fair Day’s Play, one of the area’s few independent toy stores, will move from its 10-year home at 7050 Carroll Ave. into the street-facing portion of Takoma Framers at 7312 Carroll Ave.
The toy store plans to open in the new location on May 1, and the frame shop will continue to operate out of the rear of its current location, with access from Carroll Avenue.
Owner Lisa Ripkin noted how hard it was to make the decision to move.
“My son [Eli] and I have loved the store since he was 3 1/2 years old. It is like our home,” she said, “He is 14 now, and this is where he learned to read, play, ride a bike, build LEGO®, run a cash register [and] drive a play car.”
Still, she said the new location offers both a challenge and an opportunity.
The shop carries a variety of toys, board games, jigsaw puzzles, science kits, building sets, arts and crafts kits and more, specializing in those that offer educational value.
To prepare for the move, Ripkin began a moving sale today (Feb. 12), offering 20 percent off everything in the store. She noted that 2018 Legos will arrive Feb. 21 and will 10 off new Legos with $25 purchase.
In the meantime, Takoma Framers owner Mark Howard will hold an indoor garage sale on Saturday, Feb. 17 from noon-5 p.m,, offering big discounts on a mix of collectibles, books, frames and more in the shop.
Fair Day’s Play is open Sunday 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; weekdays 1 p.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.