Sadly, Saying Goodbye to Wise Owl Toys

If there was a prevailing theme among the comments on Facebook it was one of great sadness. Not a sentiment you usually hear when talking about a toy store. But when the shop is Wise Owl Toys in downtown Westerly, and the news is that after 18 years the beloved shop is closing, well, it’s heartbreaking.  

“After 18 years in business, we have decided to close... Thank you for your support over the last 18 years. It has been wonderful getting to know you and your children,” Wise Owl Toys posted on their Facebook page.

Within 12 hours of the posting, more than 100 people shared the status and scores commented.  

“Such a special place. Many a treasure,” one commenter wrote. ”When they were babies playing with your Thomas tracks, and bug-eyed at the Calico Critters. Tiny feet standing in front of the Lego wall--their little bodies practically back bending to see all the way up... You have created a lovely memory for so many many children. Bravo to you! A small business that in fact has never been small, for its owl eyes were a giant part of our young citizens' collective and individual imagination, and that, is BIG.”    

And another: “This is So sad for me and my children... my children love to wisely pick a gift for their friends and family and Always point out all the amazing picks they would love...a huge lost to the westerly community. .wish you the best.”  

Wise Owl Toys, owned by Beth Metcalf, has long been a part of the downtown landscape. First on High Street, then to Main Street, the shop, it was rarely empty: some child was there exploring; Bee Posh, Playmobil, Brain Quest, Calico Critters, Tenzi games, Melissa & Doug, Kidoozie and lots more.  

But it wasn’t just what was in the shop, it was the attention of Beth and her staff and their love of children and learning and play and discovery.  

“Ohh no, soo very sad. We love coming into your store and playing with the train table,” one person wrote on Facebook.  

“We will miss the Wise Owl's advice on toys for all the kids in our family,” one Facebook commenter shared.  

And then there’s the other big loss: birthday gifts. One always knew when a toy came from Wise Owl with their signature wrapping.  

“So sorry to hear this. You were also our go-to store for birthday presents. Best wishes for the future,” another commenter wrote.  

Here’s some good news  

The shop is closed today, May 2 but will re-open tomorrow, Friday May 3, as it begins its going-out-of-business sale. The shop will feature 10 percent discount on Lego, 20 percent on Playmobil, and 25 percent off everything else.  So get over there! And tell Beth thanks for everything!   Good luck, Beth!    

A personal note:   My twins, now 15, grew up with Wise Owl Toys. When they were babies, we'd come in with our big double stroller taking up lots of room and we'd just hang out! And boy did I spend money there: Groovy Girl dolls, every Thomas the Tank Engine train (Percy was first; coveted the table but could never afford it.), craft kits, books, stickers, LEGOS and more LEGOS! What we'll miss: The jungle-themed wrapping paper, the welcoming vibe, the bright and colorful displays, and Beth’s smile. We will miss it all. Thanks for the memories, Beth.  ~ellyn santiago