INDIANAPOLIS — Mass Ave Toys, the independently-run business with a loyal following, has closed its doors.
Owners Natalie Canull and husband Doug plan to retire. They made their announcement Wednesday on Facebook.
Mass Ave Toys started out on Massachusetts Avenue downtown in 2006 and in 2017 relocated to Broad Ripple.
Here's Natalie Canull's goodbye post:
After much contemplation we've closed Mass Ave Toys.
We're retiring with 40 years (and some change) in the toy industry under our belts.
Having started in 1978 with a few ideas and a lot of gumption, I found an untapped market and did all in my power to bring this city the world's most beautiful toys, dolls and teddy bears. We avoided a lot of trends and a metric ton of licensed character toys in order to provide the kinds of playthings that would last, not only through your children's youth, but that could be kept for future generations in your families. That was important, because family is everything.
Now it's time to sit on the floor with our own grandkids and play! And maybe someone will help us back up!
We have to thank the hundreds of people who have worked for us over these 40+ years -- you were smart, funny, kind-hearted, hard-working and vitally important to the success of both of my toy stores, the original Kits & Kaboodle being the other. So many of you have become dear friends and we love you now & forever!
Thanks also to the sales representatives and companies who worked with us to get the toys onto the shelves. Those long, long sessions of ordering toys were made tolerable and fun by you! You are sweethearts! And the unsung heroes of the toy industry.
I also have to thank my husband, Doug, for all of the back-breaking hours of making the store so beautiful and functional. You have worked your magic over and over again for decades and are the life's blood of the store! You know I love you.
Thanks also to the office staff, who made everything run behind the scenes. Kathy, you worked miracles with your calculator and the tenacity of a Spartan, and Mike, you helped in every way an owner could ask! From designing ads and ordering toys to store displays and 53 million "little signs" that hung in the stores over the years! I called you "my strong right arm" for very good reason. Thank you to all who worked behind the scenes here...you are jewels.
Now -- most importantly -- our beloved customers! It's hard to put into words how much we treasure you! Without you there was no reason for us to open the doors each day. We wanted your kids to have the best, just like you did. We tried to provide fun "grown-up" things, too, cards and gifts to delight you. We thought about your needs more than you will ever know. We stumbled a few times, but you always forgave us! Retail is hard and crazy...ask anyone who's done it and they'll tell you, Thank you for sticking with us and being our friends...we hope we were yours.
So....get out there and support local toy stores whenever possible....they need you right now, more than ever! But they always need you and they're working hard to make you happy.
Take care, everyone -- we love you!
