Jeffrey's Toys in San Francisco, the city's oldest toy store and the inspiration for the American toy market. toy story The franchise has closed permanently.
Jeffrey's Toys said Friday it will close at the end of February. Crime and violence in the city were cited as important factors in the decision to close the 86-year-old business.
“The store has been struggling for years due to the dangers and violence of its downtown environment, inflation, declining consumer spending and the demise of retail around the world,” attorney Ken Sterling told the San Francisco Chronicle.
“The family is saddened that this has happened and we have explored all other options to keep the business open,” Sterling said.
Founders Morton Luhn and Birdie Luhn began selling toys exclusively after World War II, according to the store's website.
The store eventually passed to grandson Mark Luhn, whose son and current co-owner Matthew Luhn worked as a story artist and writer for Pixar in the mid-1990s.
Matthew Luhn told SFGate in December 2023: “While ‘Toy Story’ was going on, we had my dad come in and give us ideas. And when I was making references for almost every 'Toy Story' movie, I always went to Jeffrey's Toys. . “My dad just closed up shop and said, ‘Just hang out, have fun, and let me know if you need anything.’”
Sterling blamed “the leadership of the City of San Francisco and the Downtown Association” for allowing crime to run rampant in “a once vibrant and fun downtown experience.”
In San Francisco, many retailers have closed over the past few years.
Whole Foods, Old Navy, Saks Off 5th, Office Depot, Athleta, Abercrombie & Fitch, Disney, Marshall's, H&M, Gap and more are closed.