Here's a hopeful bit of retail news to counter some of the sad store closings we've been reporting about lately. Izilla Toys, the great little family-run toy store on Capitol Hill, is opening a second temporary -- and perhaps permanent -- location at the Wallingford Center. Izilla co-owner Jude Larene confirmed that they're aiming for a Nov. 2 opening in the upstairs space formerly occupied by Zanadia.

Larene says community response will likely determine if the store will be a permanent addition to the neighborhood. "If it's really successful, we'll go to the [Wallingford Center] management company and say, 'We're a good fit.'"

Larene says he was interested in opening a store in that area because he likes the family-friendly neighborhood and its support of locally owned independent businesses. Before making his decision, he spent time meeting with other nearby Wallingford retailers to be sure he wouldn't be cutting in on their territory. "We really want to be conscientious to not step on toes; everyone's excited to have us there."

The new Izilla location will have the same focus as its sister store, with an emphasis on "open-ended sturdy toys" that draw kids in to creative play. Brands will include "lots of Plan, Playmobil, Haba -- the stuff we've always done very well with," says Larene. Izilla also carries lots of active toys like bikes, skateboards and scooters to keep older kids engaged.

After last-year's difficult holiday season -- Larene says the snow kept people from buying and nearly crushed his business for good -- he admits he's "cautiously optimistic" about this year, noting "I'm always optimistic. I wouldn't be in business if I wasn't. My wife calls it stupid," he jokes.

For the time being, Larene plans for the Wallingford store to be open until Dec. 24, with returns and exchanges handled at the Capitol Hill store. But, he notes, "If we're busy enough, we get to stay."

I know my kids and I will be making a holiday-buying trip to the new location. Here's hoping we'll be among many others who will be keeping the store busy this season.

 

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