A toy shop that also doubles as a toy museum is searching for a new building after receiving notice that its downtown Victoria lease will not be renewed by the year’s end.
From Star Wars figures, Legos, board games, comics, and more, Cherry Bomb Toys has served up nostalgia for the last 18 years. Inside the small shop on Broad Street, the family-owned business has tailored itself to collectors, families, and others looking for a blast from the past.
Upstairs in the shop is the National Toy Museum of Canada—a non-profit displaying historic toys and products, which each has a story according to co-owner B. Woodward.
By the end of the year, both shops will have to move out after being told by their landlord that their lease would not be renewed.
“We got it to a point where everything is just right, everything works great,” said Woodward. “Now it’s like ‘Ah, now you gotta do a change.'”
The owners say they have their eyes set on another location but are asking for help in raising $30,000 to make an offer. They say they’re hoping to open another location in the downtown area.
“We have people wanting to see us move all over the world to be in their town,” said Candice Woodward, co-owner.
The shop has been involved in various charity events, including the Ultimate Hobby and Toy Fair earlier this year, fundraising more than $55,000 over the years. Another event is slated for October 1st.
The owners are remaining hopeful for the future, adding that they’re going to use this opportunity to find a suitable location to expand their museum.
“That’s the silver lining in this scenario,” said B. Woodward “We’re going to make it so that more people can enjoy what we’ve created.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with fundraising, and the owners are planning on hosting silent auctions and clearance sales in the near future.
To visit the GoFundMe page, click here.
Oli Herrera
