An upscale Connecticut town is finally getting the old-fashioned style toy store residents have been craving.
The owners are a surprising trio who will definitely keep their day jobs, but also stay close to the new business.
“You might have an anesthesiologist delivering toys to your house,” one of the partners, Richard McGeary, said with a chuckle.
The Toy Store, as it is plainly named, will open in West Hartford center in spring of 2026, but sales are being taken online right now with delivery and pick-up available in the Farmington Valley area. The site is https://thetoyshopweha.com/.
McGeary, a CPA and tech entrepreneur is business partners in the store with his friends, doctors Sama Alvi and her life partner, Eapen Mathew, who have a 1-year-old son.
Alvi is a family medicine doctor and Mathew is a pediatric anesthesiologist and chronic pain physician.
“We did not need to do it, we wanted to do it,” Mathew said. “Opening a toy store was the best way we could give back to the town. It was a way to create something,” and give back to the home community they love, he said.
People in West Hartford had voiced publicly that they wished for a toy store because there were none left when Toy Chest closed, Mathew said.
Alvi said the idea sprouted when she and Mathew were taking a stroll downtown one day and realized there were no specialty toy shops like where she grew up.
Alvi said that when she found out they were having a child she “day dreamed about childhood experiences” visiting a toy store.
She remembered going to the toy store to pick out a birthday gift and walking by and seeing a toy in the window she wanted to buy with piggy bank money.
“I wanted him (their son) to have the opportunity to create something mystical, magical that I had as a child,” Alvi said. “That was really nice growing up. It was formative.”
West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said she’s “excited” and confirmed there’s been a strong interest from residents in having an independent toy store.
“Toy Chest was part of West Hartford for more than sixty-six years, and people have missed it. I’m delighted to see a locally owned, independent toy store returning,” Cantor said. “This is a commitment and investment by local professionals who care deeply about community and businesses like this create joy, connection, and a real sense of place.”
Meanwhile the owners each bring personal expertise, they said.
McGeary has the business and financial experience, Alvi the design and familiarity with products and Mathew, the product vision.
McGeary, whose kids are grown and who lives in nearby Avon, with strong connection to West Hartford, said, “together we wanted to create something joyful for West Hartford.”
The trio agree West Hartford is vibrant, walkable, full of families, and perfect for a toy store.
Mathew said West Hartford’s downtown deserves a “joyful anchor” because it’s “home.” At one time there were three independent toy stores in town, he said.
Some of what the store will offer are hands-on toys, engaging games, adult and family game-night favorites, baby essentials, crafts, LEGO and building sets, plush toys, dress up items, and seasonal surprises. They will have a large selection of “Kidult” toys or toys that both kids and adults like.
The Toy Store, located at at 967C Farmington Ave. where 10,000 Villages once operated, ships nationwide. The shop was designed by Alvi and an architect.
There’s a focus on “high quality imaginative play,” Alvi said, and they will carry items not found in “big box stores toys” that spark creativity, learning, as well as fun.
McGeary said the team has been “very thoughtful” in carrying the “hottest items to tireless classics.”
Alvi described the store as a “colorful, immersive space” and “calming” as well, where they’ll hold community events such as story time and sing alongs.
“The place is going to be extraordinary,” she said.