Oliver’s Toys to Open Second Location on Main Street

A new toy store is coming to Main Street, one door down from the site where Toys et Cetera is closing for good after 30 years in business. 

Oliver’s Trains and Toys, which opened its first location at 2002 Central St. last year, will open a second location at 710 Main St. this summer, according to a press release from owners Bogdan and Siri Rogalski. 

“When we heard the toy store on Main Street was closing, we wanted to step in and fill the void,” the Rogalskis said in the release. 

Want the latest news on business openings and closings in Evanston? Sign up for our free newsletter.

The Rogalskis considered several sites on Main Street for their second location, including the Toys et Cetera location at 711 Main St. However, they decided the current toy store’s location was too big, according to the release. 

Instead, Oliver’s will take over one of three storefronts currently occupied by Good’s of Evanston, according to Good’s owner Shaun Chinsky. 

"Shortly after learning that the toy store across the street was closing, I heard that Oliver's was interested in a second location in this area,” Chinsky said in the release. “Knowing that our framing business has not been utilizing all of the space we occupy, I have been keeping my eyes open for the right retail business owner who would add to the vibrancy of the block.”

Toys et Cetera officially shuts its doors on June 15, according to owner Nancy Stanek. She told Patch in March that she was closing the store due to a shift in shopping habits, staffing difficulties and poor building management.

. "We've had a loss of business, and we've seen a shift in the way people shop in Evanston."

Oliver’s Toys plans to open its second location later this summer, according to Bogdan Rogalski.

“We have a lot of work to do between now and then,” the Rogalskis said. "We are very excited about being part of Main Street.”

According to the release, they named their store after their son, Oliver, who inspires their business.

"We learned from buying toys for our own son that when you choose the right toy for your child, you can amaze and inspire them," the Rogalskis said. "That’s what motivates us when we’re choosing the products we carry and the toys we recommend to our customers.”