Sponsor Story:Toy Box
theLoop welcomes new sponsor, Toy Box; but it’s Toy Box that has welcomed a couple of generations of kids and their parents in New York City and Westchester since 1959.
If you’ve stepped foot into the Toy Box in Mamaroneck, then you know Steve. He’s the guy with the "Toy Box" polo shirt who greets you by name, and will skillfully navigate you through the over-stuffed aisles directly to the very Legos, Silly Bandz or bicycle you need. Just don’t start him talking if you’re in a hurry. You’ll want to stay and listen.
Steve’s dad Abraham took over a candy and toy store in Pelham Bay, the Bronx, in 1959. Eventually, the store became known to the locals as "Steve’s." Later, Steve would open Jason’s Toy Center (pictured below about 1990–check out the sign…remember Pogs anyone? ) in Woodhaven, Queens.
In 1996, Steve’s friend Marc Langus, who owned a store in Mamaroneck named the Toy Box, became terminally ill. So Josephson bought the store.
"He loved this store," says Josephson, "and so did I. It was my way of keeping his dream going."
Steve opened Steve’s Variety Center in Throggs Neck, the Bronx, in 1997 and a Toy Box in Thornwood, NY about a year later. By 2000, there were addtional locations on Buhre Ave, in the Bronx and New Rochelle.
Today, all of the focus is on the Mamaroneck store, which is the one remaining. On a recent Saturday, the Mayor of Mamaroneck stopped in to say hello while a dozen children ran up and down the aisles, their parents looking for birthday presents and care packages going to sleep-away camp.
Why the life long love affair with Toys and kids? "My birthday is December 26, says Josephson, "the day after Christmas. As a grown-up I can have toys all year long."
The Toy Box 300 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 * 914.698.7110 * Hours: Monday – Saturday 9- 6:30, Sunday 10 – 5.
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the only problem is that with the Toy Box, you think you’re getting lower prices, but he totally marks things up. His Legos and Playmobil are crazy expensive.
Steve truly gives that old fashioned, neighborhood feel. It’s always a delight to shop at the Toy Box and what makes it better, you know you’re supporting someone who gives back to the community. Steve is Vice President of the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, and he is hands-on, pitching in to help with every Chamber event.
Continued success Steve!
We are addressing the Lego and Playmobil problem as we speak…Prices, in general, we are lowering and becoming more competitive. We have numerous coupons out for savings galore, offer free giftwrapping and parking. In other shopping areas, you must pay for both. Thank you very much for your input…looking forward to serving the community for many years to come.
Great place for the newest and traditional toys, friendly helpful staff. Prices are marked up so high that I only use for the quick on the way birthday party gifts, otherwise, Sorry Steve, Holiday shopping does send me to the chain stores. It is simply the economy.