Cherry Bomb Toys and Toy Museum Needs a New Home

Sadly Cherry Bomb Toys and The National Toy Museum of Canada need to find new homes. After 13 years in a perfect location, the new landlords sadly have different plans for the building.

Fundraising Goals-

1. To find and move to a suitable location for both businesses. Approx. $30,000. (First and last month rent, moving costs, legal fees)

WAYS TO HELP

-Spread the word.

-Buy some toys.

-Donate to or share the gofundme.

-Donate a silent auction prize to help raise money at an upcoming silent auction.

-Buy a gift certificate.

-Send some love and support.

-Support their events.

Cherry Bomb Toys started 18 years ago as a dream to serve up some sweet nostalgia in the form of brightly colored plastic and memories of when you were young. They have a huge passion for toys and building community events.

Check them out on Amazon Prime and YouTube on the series- Toy Stores Near You, Season 1 by the Nacelle Company. The series was created to help show support for independent Toy Stores around the globe during the start of the pandemic when times were really rough for small businesses.

Candice and B. Woodward started Cherry Bomb Toys in a small shop on the other side of downtown for 5 years. When their lease was up they were looking for larger locations. Candice’s second job was around the corner from 1410 Broad Street. “When I walked in, it just felt like home.” Candice said. She is in love with the old wooden floor and high brick walls. They go perfectly with all the old toys and large wooden cabinets.

Thirteen years and 4 landlords later, the latest set of landlords have different plans. “We always dreamed of buying this building but it never worked out whenever it was up for sale.” said Candice.

”It was pretty sad when we found out we no longer have a future here.” B said while cleaning some toys to put on the shelf. “We have watched kids grow up that are now bringing their kids.

“The store is in the perfect location right in Nerdvana or Nerd Row as some call it, with Legends Comics, Curious Comics, Games Workshop and within walking distance from Fan Favorites Games & Movies and Dragon Impact. We have quite a geeky and nerdy hub and community here. We would love to stay as close as possible to our amazing small business friends.” hoped Candice.

As of the end of December, The National Toy Museum of Canada, a non-profit they started in the mezzanine, will either have to move by itself or get put in storage. The basement that has been named “The Vault” is the first lease to end. “We use it for storage for the community events we put on like the Ultimate Hobby and Toy Fair, Nerdy Days of Christmas and Capital City Comic Con (a non profit they are partners with) plus the toy workshop and museum storage.” says Candice.

“With the basement gone, we will need to store our everyday parts and what we can in the mezzanine where the museum is located.” said B.

It would be really beneficial for the Woodward’s to find a place that fits both the toy store and the museum. It’s easier for them to manage and they have always had dreams of finding a space that is a bit bigger to show of more nostalgic toys and information.

Not only is the Toy Store’s lease not going to be renewed, they will eventually have to find a new place to live. “Cost of living is so high here and we have been fortunate to live in our apartment above the shop for quite some time.” said Candice. Their two young children have grown up in the building and are really sad to have to leave. “After over a decade in a place, it truly feels like home. We are very comfortable here but life seems to have different plans.” says B.

Cherry Bomb Toys has built an amazing local community with their events and the store, it would be a huge hit on downtown and the community if they were unable to find a new location that would work. The shop and events have helped raise over $70,000 for local charities like BC Children’s Hospital, Victoria Hospitals Foundation and the MS Society of BC.

“It’s been so stressful whenever a new landlord has taken over and this was the fourth time in 13 years. You never know what will happen and sadly our luck has run out this time.” Candice sighed sadly.

Please consider helping keep this amazing store with memories included stay alive. This business really wants to continue to provide amazing memories for kids of all ages for decades to come.