Purple Cow Toys — Local services in Astoria

This shop drew our eyes from the start because it seemed to have a good selection of unconventional, quality toys.  What caught me completely off guard was the kind of service we would receive.  We are an international family: my wife is Japanese, and my 3-year-old daughter is of mixed ethnicity.  Though I just assumed the older woman working at the store was simply unfriendly, since she had been ignoring us from the start, my image would change once I noticed her greeting, and talking with all of the other customers enthusiastically.  Later, she would say one thing to my wife in a curt and condescending voice about how she didn't need to walk around a display rack because the rack itself turned, and quickly walked away.  Still giving the sales woman the benefit of the doubt, I approached her a moment later at the counter to ask about a couple of products and she noticeably looked away and ignored me.  Though we intended to purchase a number of products there; needless to say, the store didn't get our business. Though, I honestly don't want to assume the worst, compared to other small, specialized stores, the service was certainly...

Great little family-owned store. Clean, well-stocked, free gift wrapping, high-quality items, fantastic game selection, amazing puzzle collection, Lego, Playmobil, Calico Critters...just so much to love about this place!

And yes, I have seen the other reviews. Of course pets aren't allowed in a store for children, some of which have allergies. No, they don't allow food or drink in the store, because they want customers to be assured that they take home an item that is clean, and in perfect condition. I don't understand why some people don't get this.

And the staff is friendly. We've been going there 11 years, and have never had a problem. They go out of their way to make sure their customers are happy. I've seen them order items from other vendors, knowing they wouldn't make a profit, because it makes their customers happy.

I guess all I can say is try it...

Very unfriendly owner.... She might want to rethink owning a toy store. The young woman who checked us out was kind but the older lady (I'm assuming the owner?) was rude and curt. My very well behaved toddler was playing with the train table (which they set up for PLAY) for maybe 5-10 minutes by themselves so we thought "oh might as well buy something since we used their stuff". As we went to check out my husband asked about a bathroom to change our toddler who had soiled their diaper. And the lady was rude, instead of simple being like unfortunately we don't but try this place or whatever. She instead said NO, go across the street. Kindness and empathy for a child who just needs to be changed would have gone a lot further. I will absolutely never be back and will make sure others I know don't either. An owner like that doesn't...