Iconic Upper West Side Toy Store Is Moving After More Than 4 Decades

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — West Side Toys, a longtime popular store on the Upper West Side, is moving its storefront after more than four decades.

The toy store at 498 Amsterdam Ave. on West 84th Street will move around the corner to 201 W. 84th St. in early July, Jennifer Bergman, the owner of the store confirmed to Patch.

West Side Toys has operated at the 498 Amsterdam Ave. storefront for 42 years.

"Yes, we're moving," Bergman told Patch. "The store (new space) became available, and my landlord offered to do the buildout, and the rent is much less."

"All good reasons! It is even in the same building we are in now — just around the corner," she added. "We're excited!"

The WestSideRag was the first publication to report on the move.

West Side Toys was founded in 1981 by Alice Bergman, and is now run by her daughter Jennifer.

"With more than forty years of experience, we can confidently say we are toy experts," reads an About section on its website. "We can assist you in selecting the proper toy for each age and stage of a child's development."

Its merchandise includes dolls, stuffed animals, cars, blocks, action figures, puzzles, board games, art supplies, books, costumes, baby toys, and much more.

West Side Toys will be taking over the former home of John Koch Antiques.