The world’s most iconic toy store is suddenly shutting down

The closure will leave FAO Schwarz without a physical store.

FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz is closing its iconic toy store in midtown Manhattan as a result of rising rents.

The store, known for its giant toy piano, is a major tourist destination made famous by the 1988 movie “Big” starring Tom Hanks.

The closure will leave the 153-year-old brand without a physical store.

Toys “R” Us, which owns the store, said it’s seeking another location for the shop, according to Bloomberg.

FAO Schwarz-branded toys will still be sold by Toys “R” Us.

“The company is committed to the FAO Schwarz brand and growing its legacy,” Toys “R” Us said in a statement to Bloomberg. “While we are sad to say goodbye to our current location, we are excited about the opportunity to create a new flagship location in New York City that will no doubt delight generations of children to come.”

Here’s the piano made famous by the movie “Big.”

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The store is known for its creative displays and life-size stuffed animals, like the ones in the image below.

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Every year it attracts massive crowds of tourists around the holidays.

Here are shoppers lining up outside the store in 1995.

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