The owner, Anna Barr, said she made the decision to close following her 60th birthday in early December and because the store's lease is up at the end of the month.
“It seems the timing is really good,” Barr said. “[Maybe I would renew the lease] if I were younger. ...But it's just not a time in my life that I want to take that risk anymore.”
Anna’s Toy Depot opened in 1989 when Barr was a recent University of Texas graduate and new mom. Barr began her business by buying used toys from garage sales and selling them to child care centers. Eventually, Barr dropped the delivery aspect of her business and switched to her own brick-and-mortar retail space. Her business has occupied five separate locations on South Lamar Boulevard and is operating at 220 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin.
Barr has continued to sell upcycled or second-hand toys at her store as well as new toys that make her selection more inclusive, such as toys for children with disabilities.
Anna’s Toy Depot will be open until Dec. 24 at around 2 p.m.
