Anderson’s Toyshop will consolidate its operations with Anderson’s Bookshop, both located in downtown Naperville, Illinois, later this month. The toy store, currently at 111 W. Jefferson Ave., will move back into the bookstore, situated just two doors away at 123 W. Jefferson Ave.

The decision follows a recent renovation of the bookstore that included new carpeting, painting, and fixtures, enhancing the space to accommodate the toy inventory. Becky Anderson, owner of both establishments, explained that combining toys and books under one roof aims to improve convenience for customers, particularly parents shopping for children.

“Having the books away from the toys was an OK decision for a while but we think this will make our customers a lot more happy,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s Toyshop originally opened in 2016 in its current location after Anderson converted a former gift shop called Two Doors East. At the time, it was regarded as the only toy store of its kind in the downtown Naperville area, addressing a local retail gap. Since then, other toy and game stores, such as Treasures on Washington Street, have entered the market.

The relocation also reverses a prior attempt to separate the toys into a dedicated space, which some customers found inconvenient. Previously, parents shopping in the nearby children-focused businesses, including Gotskind’s Children’s Shoes and Clothing, which closed its downtown location last year, had to move between several storefronts to browse various products.

“If you wanted to go shop for toys, you had to walk down past one business to the next business. It was hard because we didn’t have the space in-between. It was kind of inconvenient,” Anderson noted. “It’s just so much easier. It’ll make our customers happier, kids happier.”

The Downtown Naperville Alliance, which oversees the area’s business district, commented positively on the move. Katie Wood, executive director of the Alliance, said while the future tenant of the vacated toy store space is not yet known, there is active interest in the storefront.

“We’re pleased for (Anderson’s), and it seems like a smart move since the two product categories complement each other so well,” Wood said.

Prior to fully closing the toy store’s current location, Anderson plans to hold a sale, though the exact start date has not been announced. The consolidation process is expected to be completed in July.