In the swirling chaos we thrive on in NYC, we (usually) love being part of the perpetual, rhythmic palpable energy that surrounds us.  We fully understand that change is constant.  We are conditioned to ebb and flow as we create and embrace the new, cool trends while seamlessly parting with what isn’t keeping pace.

It’s a part of life here, our collective delicate balance of being at the center of the center.

Sometimes our landscape changes to so subtly that we don’t even realize it.  Other times we wax nostalgic when we take a walk through a neighborhood that we used to go to all the time and for one reason or another we haven’t been to in a while.  This is especially amusing when reminiscing with my group of fantastically fun friends with whom many adventures where shared in our early days on this little island off of America.

But, it’s an entirely different picture when it is announced that one of our stalwart institutions is slated to close.  What institution might I be referring to?  FAO Schwarz, America’s oldest toy store.

It too landed on this little island in 1870, emigrating from Baltimore. Yes, it was founded in 1862 in Baltimore by German immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz.

For any company, anywhere, being in and staying in business for 153 years is an absolutely phenomenal accomplishment.  And we don’t really know what is going to happen to the FAO Schwarz brand, we can assume it will live on in the digital world or maybe go move in with its parents, Toys R Us.  But what we do know is that fabulous place on the corner of 58th and 5th, right in the center of the center, will be shuttered in July.

With all the news we hear every day, this news, to me, was a real shock.  I know we take our institutions for granted, as we assume that they will always be there because….well…they are institutions. That being said, I am truly saddened that is very special place will no longer be part of the wonderful array of shopping delights that make Manhattan so special.

For those of you who have never been, and have the opportunity to – go!  I can assure you it is a truly magical place that genuinely sparks the imagination.

Which is the very same thing that I might say to someone who has never been to our little island off of America.