Once Upon A Time Toys — Local services in Rocky River

I've lived in River for 28 years and have been a customer at this store (although my son is an adult now) for many years. I have shopped for nieces, nephews and my friends little ones. I have never had issues at this store; until now. Yes, they are higher price-wise than any other toys locations but thats expected. I went in for a birthday gift for my 1 year old niece on Saturday (1/30/21 @ 3:10 PM) The place was deserted and the Sales Associate was nice and helpful answering questions. As I made my selection for purchase a few customers started entering the store. I walked up to the counter, gave my selection to the Associate (she was the only employee at the time) She rang up my purchase and as I needed the item gift wrapped she started working on that. While she cut the gift wrap paper another customer came up and asked about a Giraffe she was interested in but which had bent legs and stood at a crocked angle. The Associate says "Oh we have another in the basement, I'll get that for you." I am still waiting for the $30 gift I already purchased and is sitting half wrapped on the back counter. The Associate leaves, gets the giraffe from the basement, comes back and proceeds to have a conversation with the other customer and rings her up. I'm still waiting. She then asks the other customer if she needs help taking the Giraffe to her car. I just look at them both like "Hello, I am a paying customer and I was here first!" The other customers purchase was $127. When the Associate finished wrapping my gift and placed it in the bag she must have pushed her finger through the gift wrap by accident and ripped it. Probably because I was not looking very happing for the extra 12 minutes I stood there waiting she didn't say anything. I noticed when I removed the box from the bag. (and yes, I was careful placing my package on the back seat for the travel home) Price should not dictate the lousy customer service I received on Saturday. I will not be returning. Rating ** for at least trying to help.. at...

This toy shop is everything you want it to be. It’s the best shopping experience - my kids wander around and have real agency over a gift to take to a birthday party. I’m able to see what they gravitate to make notes for Christmas and birthdays. They make their own wish lists based on what they can touch and feel, not what they see on a screen. The shop manager is effervescent and kind. We keep coming back.

The store has transformed in the last six-ish months under the new manager. My first time in was in Nov 2023 and it was a bit disappointing, but I gave it another chance for a February birthday. The difference is striking. The shelves are now brimming with thoughtful and high quality inventory and there is a warmth to the shop that is synonymous with childhood joy. There’s something for every budget and every age. It’s the kind of place that brings the soul back to shopping, the place that will be a core memory of excitement for my kids. I can’t say enough good things about this gem of a shop and the special kind of magic that the new manager brings.

It’s worth mentioning that I have no stakeholding in the shop. I’m just a mom of three that is grateful places like this exist. If you’ve been before and were underwhelmed, it’s worth your...

As my wife and I love to explore historic areas of towns we visit I am ecstatic to report that Rocky River has joined the "must visit list". Came up on Memorial Day weekend Sunday to first catch the beach. As many warnings state, parking is impossible so just a quick lovely review then off to downtown. Serendipity is the perfect word. My wife and I (grandparents to 4, 5 months to almost 10) love toy stores and owner operated unique sites. Eureka, we found Once Upon a Time Store. Owner, Jack Seelie was not in (but folk all up and down the street sing his long term presence and joy). Mary Monroe is the fantastic Manager on duty, assisted by her top notch staffer, Veronica (Jack take notice). Spent a good block of time and got presents for 4 (for now AND upcoming holiday season). Mary and Veronica were golden, helpful and SO pleasant. Parking in back made stopping in and loading my sled easy as pie. Love places like this and long-term dedicated owners. Shop coast to coast and only comparable is The Toy Post in Westport. CT. Told the team I looked forward to a TIP TOP review so here...