Article · January 1, 2024

FAO Schwarz Returns to New York With A New Flagship Toy Store - Chute Gerdeman

Iconic toy and retail brand FAO Schwarz opens its doors to a new immersive flagship location in the heart of NewYork City.

FAO Schwarz Returns to New York With A New Flagship Toy Store [vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” padding_bottom_multiplier=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1515535628663{margin-top: -10px !important;padding-top: -10px !important;}”][movedo_social social_email=”yes” social_facebook=”yes” social_twitter=”yes” social_linkedin=”yes” social_reddit=”yes” icon_size=”small” icon_color=”grey” align=”center”][movedo_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Iconic Brand Opens on November 16th at 30 Rockefeller Plaza with Exclusive Experiences. FAO Schwarz opens its doors today with a new flagship location in New York City. The beloved toy store spans 2.5 levels with over 20,000 square feet of signature toys, interactive experiences and shops crafted to instill a world of wonderment and deep nostalgia for parents and children alike.

“FAO Schwarz was built on in-store experiences, which has made it a global destination over the years.” said David Conn, CEO of ThreeSixty Brands, owners of the FAO Schwarz brand. “We are bringing back the wonderment of toys and a deep nostalgia for the larger than life experience that FAO Schwarz has offered to parents and children alike for over 150 years.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” columns_gap=”15″][vc_column][movedo_single_image image=”27577″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]With a nod to the deep history of the brand in New York and a wink to its future, the new store designed by Chute Gerdeman capitalizes on the Art Deco architecture of its new home and amplifies memories of the best FAO experiences from years past. FAO Schwarz toy soldiers are stationed outside of the 49th street entrance, outfitted in brand new uniforms designed by International Supermodel Gigi Hadid.

This new uniform, which will be worn at all FAO stores internationally, draws from Gigi’s own nostalgia of childhood visits to the toy store and incorporates whimsical elements including a special “Medal of Honor” is worn on the left pocket adorned with the meaningful words “Celebrate, Wonder, Discover, Share, Together.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text] More than a toy store, FAO Schwarz is a place of imagination and discovery. Guests who enter at Rockefeller Plaza are transported to another world with FAO Schwarz’s newest icon, the rocket ship. Surrounded by classic plush creations, the 27-foot tall rocket ship — sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop — showcases teddy-bear astronauts and is the first cue that there is more to discover upstairs.

From the 49th Street entrance, guests are greeted by FAO’s iconic three-story, three-dimensional clock tower, inviting exploration up, through, around and within. Beyond the clocktower and rocket ship, a journey of discovery begins, where over 200 FAO Schwarz-branded toys as well as products from over 15 well-loved toy brands come to life with unique experiences.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][movedo_single_image image=”27582″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” columns_gap=”15″][vc_column][movedo_single_image image=”27579″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]FAO Schwarz’s hand-selected toy ambassadors and product demonstrators provide a world-class shopping experience through the whimsical and theatrical wonderment FAO has always been known for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” columns_gap=”15″][vc_column][movedo_single_image image=”27580″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]The famous FAO Schwarz dance-on piano sponsored by Hape returns and is featured on the second floor. The new and improved Piano is reflected on the ceiling above and guests can overlook the ice-skating rink below at Rockefeller Plaza.

Piano dancers, performing grand shows throughout the year, are experts at teaching visitors of all ages and skill levels how to dance and play songs. Shoppers are invited to work alongside trained mechanics at FAO Raceway, where they can build remote-control cars piece-by-piece by picking out their individualized body style, color, wheels, and designs. Also new to the store is the FAO Schwarz Baby Doll Adoption Experience where nurses and doctors walk children through the adoption process and teach them how to properly love and care for their baby dolls.

Once a prospective parent adoption form is completed, children are able to select the doll of their choosing. The baby dolls are then taken for a “checkup” before they are sent home with their very own FAO “certificate of adoption.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]FAO Schweetz, operated by specialty candy retailer IT’SUGAR, also returns encompassing over 2,150 square feet in candy installations and innovative merchandising, honoring FAO Schwarz’s legacy as “retail-tainment” pioneers. Life-sized versions of classic toys such as a space ship, fire truck, and toy train serve as bulk candy containers and design elements such as a toy soldier and a subway car will be at the checkout counter.

A new FAO Schweetz-branded product line includes giant gummy bears and unicorns, make-your-own gummy worm kits, and mega chocolate bars among other sweets.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” columns_gap=”15″][vc_column][movedo_single_image image=”27581″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top_multiplier=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]Additional one-of-a-kind experiences and other retail partners include: Alex Spa – Get primped and pampered, and express your personal style at the Alex Spa with hair color and nail polish treatments. Bunnies By The Bay – Welcome to the wonderful world of Cricket Island where Bunnies By The Bay creates delightful gifts for babies and kids of all ages. Shop from charming, super soft, and hand-crafted plush toys, blankets, clothing, and accessories.

New Bunnies By the Bay dolls are also available at FAO Schwarz and we invite you to shop with us, where Bunnies are our Best Friends, they Do Delight, and Give Glad Dreams. Build-A-Bear Workshop – Guests can take part in the signature Build-A-Bear Workshop Make-Your-Own experience, featuring a selection of exclusive FAO Schwarz furry friends and accessories, on the Second Floor. Discovery #mindblown – Talk to our STEM Professor in his custom #mindblown lab about everything science.

With a giant video wall and in-person demonstrations, every child interested in STEM will flock to this 520 square-foot kiosk. Hape Music – In addition to sponsoring the famous dance-on piano, Hape will offer musical instruments of all types for infants, preschoolers and beyond. Hasbro – Visitors will discover a More Than Meets the Eye experience with Transformers, complete with a fully-automated, speaking 9ft.

Optimus Prime, everyone’s favorite Autobots and Decepticons, collectibles, and everything in-between from scooters to apparel! Marvin’s Magic – Audiences will be delighted, amazed and amused to witness Marvin’s Magic Live and close-up! Their professional magic made easy sets and tricks continue to inspire magicians of all ages.