New 'Interactive' Toy Store Comes To Port From Local Preschool Owner

PORT WASHINGTON, NY—A mother of three who also owns and operates a preschool knows her way around toys and education. Michelle Pascucci, a Port Washington resident, is opening a new toy store in town, one where children can visit and try out toys. The store, a Learning Express franchise, will open Thursday, Oct. 20 on 67 Shore Rd. in the HomeGoods shopping center.

Pascucci tells Patch that she's excited to bring an independent toy store to Port.

"Children deserve to shop in a true toy store not just Target, Walmart or Amazon," she said.

"My kids loved going to toy stores and it was an event for them. It makes me sad that our kids now don’t have this opportunity close to home."

Starting next Thursday, however, that will change, when the store hosts a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce at noon.

Pascucci has lived in Port Washington for the last four years, and runs Parsons Preschool, which has locations in Woodhaven, Jamaica and Queens Village.

Learning Express sells mostly educational toys, and kids can try the products out at demonstration tables. The business will also host birthday parties and have "mommy and me groups," Pascucci shared.