Huge Johnson County toy, party goods store announces ‘heart-breaking’ closing

Grandview-based U.S. Toy Co. is closing its Overland Park store.

The company said it will concentrate on larger wholesale customers and e-commerce channels.

The store opened in Overland Crossing, at 12070 Metcalf Avenue, in June 2019. It will start a closing sale on Feb. 14 with all items 25% off. Discounts will increase until the store closes, likely in May.

Described as “your local party headquarters,” it carries such items as toys, arts and crafts, flags, candy, balls, stuffed animals, hats, novelties, back-to-school, teachers’ supplies and other educational items, and seasonal decorations — from Mardi Gras to Christmas.

U.S. Toy has 36,000-square-feet in the center, including U.S. Toy Magic & Costume Shop with costumes, professional makeup and magic tricks and illusions.

Its Pump It Up children’s party place franchise also has a separate entrance. It is in negotiations to relocate in Johnson County.

U.S. Toy is a third-generation, family owned business that was founded by the late Frances Kline Gershon and Elvin Kline in their Kansas City living room in 1953. They opened their first storefront and warehouse around 1960. At one time they had seven stores around the country.

This will be the first time there will not be a brick-and-mortar U.S. Toy Co. store in 60 years.

“It’s heart-breaking. We had people that grew up with the stores and this was a new concept that was working,” said Seth Freiden, CEO of US Toy & Constructive Playthings, and grandson of the founders.

“The pandemic came along, and then the redevelopment of Overland Crossing and they wanted national stores,” he said. “And it’s hard to find labor. So we are going to focus on the online part of our business. But the door is open to retail in future years.”

Overland Crossing is under redevelopment. Whole Foods Market will relocate its Overland Park store and expand for a spring 2023 opening.