Address: 767 5th Avenue, New York, US
Website: www.fao.com
Phone: 212 644 9400
When Tom Hanks’ character in Big famously jumps on the giant piano keys at FAO Schwartz, the look on his face—one of pure happiness—mirrors that of any child free to explore the famous toy emporium. Patrons felt an equally intense disappointment when the doors to the store’s flagship location at 767 Fifth Avenue were shut in 2004. Months later, however, the store reopened under a new owner, one Toys “R” Us. While the takeover resulted in a loss of old school charm to be sure, the goods, which skew to the higher end of everything a child could want, are as desirable as ever.