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    Shop Talk: Big Fun Toy Store

    Big Fun owner/operator Jason Williams and wife Trinity showcase some of the store’s products.

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    If you’re feeling a little down, you might want to swing by Big Fun Toy Store, which opens its doors May 31.

    Occupying the 1,200-square-foot former Europia space at 672 N. High St., Big Fun is reentering the Columbus market after leaving it in the mid-nineties. (The first time around, Big Fun was located near the Ohio State University campus for three years.)

    Big Fun’s merchandise is eclectic, consisting of things you don’t need, but you gotta have, said its co-owner/operator, Jason Williams.

    “We constantly buy and sell all sorts of vintage collectibles from the 1950s to current, so our stock is always changing,” he added. “People really like shopping at our store. They’re usually laughing and having fun.”

    Perhaps that’s why in 2009 Playboy named Big Fun (which also has two stores in the Cleveland area) one of the 20 “coolest stores” in America.

    Setting up shop in the Short North was no accident, as Williams and Big Fun Founder Steve Presser wanted to be close to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Goodale Park. Presser, in particular, is impressed with the neighborhood.

    Big Fun Toy Store
    672 N. High St., Short North
    BigFunBigFun.com
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    Store Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 12-8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

    “The amount of foot traffic on a spring Wednesday night was amazing and reassuring,” he said. “I am familiar with the Short North District from numerous visits. I just don’t know it well. I really look forward to becoming part of the family of merchants here. The people who poked their heads in we’re a mix of ‘What is this place? I remember the old Big Fun on campus’ −pretty good feeling, as it was 15 years ago − to ‘I love your stores in Cleveland.’ All were positive.”

    Also, there are plans to host events, including kids’ art shows, magic performances and puppet theater, at the Short North store.

    “We look forward to many years of putting smiles on people’s faces,” Presser said.

    CLICK HERE for a sneak peek at more photos from the new Big Fun Toy Store.

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    Melanie McIntyre
    Melanie McIntyrehttps://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/
    Melanie McIntyre is a featured freelance writer for Columbus Underground who also writes about fashion, style and pop culture on her blog, Thoroughly Modern Melly. Melanie is an Ohio State University graduate, lives in the Short North, and enjoys reading and running.
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