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Off the Wagon’s expansion is complete, and the toy store now has more space for yodeling pickles, flat cats and bacon toys galore.
The business in Acorn Alley, which opened in Kent in August 2009, expanded into the area directly next to it where thrift store Rehab Vintage used to be.
“We have sort of a humorous quirky sort of feel,” owner Michelle Sahr said. “People come in here and literally laugh. That is something we are going to keep absolutely the same, we are just expanding on it.”
Sahr said she thought of expanding when she heard Rehab Vintage might be relocating to South Carolina.
“We did more of all the great things everyone has loved about the store,” Sahr said.
The wall that originally separated the toy store from Rehab Vintage was torn down and a wide doorway was put in its place.
The store, which Sahr said was originally about 500 square feet, will add another 600 square feet to its space. It also added some new products, like humorous T-shirts and games for younger children.
“People come in here all the time to buy gifts for adults, as well as kids,” Sahr said.
Sahr also owns two other stores, each called My Little Red Wagon, with locations in Stow and Hudson.
While business has been good in Kent so far, employee Kyle Buckley said he thinks the expansion is “going to help out a lot.”
He said the next step is to get the original side of the store looking as good as the expanded side.
Tiffany Zeller is one customer who said she enjoys the quirky nature of Off The Wagon’s products. The Brady Lake resident, who was shopping at the store, said it was the first time she has visited since the expansion.
“It’s a little easier to see,” Zeller said. “Before, it was kind of condensed.”
Sahr said she didn’t know the exact cost of the expanding because of all the factors, but she said the only costs that will increase in the future are rent and inventory investment.
“I think we are just starting to get the word out because we literally just opened the expansion up,” Sahr said.
Overall, Sahr said she is excited about the new space and hopes it brings more joy to customers.
Contact Suzi Starheim at [email protected].