New York Icon FAO Schwarz Invites LA to Come Out and Play at Newest Flagship Location - The Grove at Farmers Market.
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2002
NY Meets LA When Former Yankee and Baseball Legend Reggie Jackson
Squares Off Against Former LA Dodger Star Steve Garvey to
Launch Mattel's Classic Baseball Game(TM)
FAO Schwarz, the Ultimate Toy Store for 140 years, brings a taste of New York flavor to Los Angeles with the grand opening of its newest flagship store at the Grove at Farmers Market on Friday, March 15.
The two story, 25,000 square foot store will be the centerpiece of the new 20-acre center, located adjacent to the historic Farmers Market on West 3rd Street. Celebrating the arrival of a legendary NY icon to LA, another legendary NY icon, baseball Hall-of-Famer Reggie Jackson, will square-off against former LA Dodgers star Steve Garvey, to launch Mattel's Classic Baseball Game.
Excitement is the key word during the FAO Schwarz grand opening weekend, which will be filled with games, special appearances, free giveaways, and plenty of fun. Taking center stage is a reprisal of a classic New York/LA match up as Reggie Jackson and Steve Garvey, stars of the 1978 World Series, return to baseball, competing for the championship title in the Mattel Classic Baseball World Series. Once the champion is declared, both players will sign purchases of the game. FAO Schwarz will also host character appearances on Friday and Saturday including: FAO's own Patrick the Pup and Bobby the Toy Soldier Bear; Cinar's Caillou; SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon; Hasbro's Butt-Ugly Martians; and, Fisher Price's Rescue Heroes. Children and families are in store for other delights throughout grand opening weekend, including Story Time for kids, toy demonstrations, and free giveaways.
"FAO Schwarz at the Grove offers all of the same world-class toys, gifts, and premium customer service that have made FAO Schwarz the Ultimate Toy Store for 140 years in a fresh, dynamic retail environment that is distinctively LA," said Jerry Welch, Chief Executive Officer, The Right Start, Inc. (parent company of FAO Schwarz).
Grand events and classic characters are not the only FAO Schwarz hallmarks making the move from New York to LA. Reflecting FAO's commitment to providing its customers with one-of-a-kind shopping experience, FAO Schwarz at the Grove will feature an unparalleled selection of unique toys and collectibles from around the globe. The ever changing, interactive world of FAO Schwarz at the Grove will have an assortment of FAO exclusive boutiques and those representing kids' favorite characters. The opening assortment of shops includes an FAO Schweetz interactive candy store, FAO Baby - offering an unparalleled selection of premium baby and toddler lifestyle merchandise and gift ideas - Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Brio and many others.
