We chatted with Jude and Jen from Izilla Toys over the weekend, and they mentioned they’ll be shrinking the footprint of their Wallingford Center shop by half in the next several weeks, moving out of the South side of their space entirely.
“It’s just too much space for us,” Jen said, to which Jude added “the Wallingford store sells differently than the Capitol Hill store does, we have to adapt to that.”
They say Lorig, the Wallingford Center property management company, has been great about the change, even offering to allow them to keep the full space at a deep discount.
“It just didn’t make sense, though. We’d still have to fill the space with all the toys, and that’s expensive. We can do better with a smaller space, I think,” Jen said.
What does that mean for the space they’ll be evacuating? It would be great to get a “kids-themed” store in the spot to play alongside Izilla, but existing leases with Izilla and Paron’s Closet rule out another toy store or kid’s clothing store, so there’s slim pickings. Perhaps a children’s furniture shop? You couldn’t find a better spot.
So, if you’re were thinking of opening such a shop, now’s the time, people! Move quick if you want to have your doors open in time for the Tour d’Izilla tricycle race, coming in March.
I’ve heard Bob Davis has been eyeing the space for Jiggles West.
Ha ha ha Doug!
We’re actually only shrinking by 1/3. We’re keeping the other 2/3rds. We are planning to move back into the full space next November for the holidays if Lorig hasn’t leased it.
We love you Izilla!! You are a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and hope that the downsizing allows you to stay around 🙂 My little daughter would be so sad if she couldn’t run from Paron’s closet to Trophy and finish off with a toy from you folks on our trips to the Wallingford Center!
Maybe a maternity store?
Children’s shoes! That would be awesome. And we are definitely happy Izilla is sticking around.