Mary Arnold Toys Holds Grand Opening at New Lexington Ave. Location

Mary Arnold Toys, the family-owned Upper East Side fixture that bills itself as "New York's oldest continuously operating toy store," held a grand opening on Saturday at its new location on Lexington Avenue between 80th and 81st Streets. The store, which opened originally in 1931, had been on Lex between 72nd and 73rd for 19 years before the move.

"We're feeling great," said Ezra Ishayik, the store's owner, as he greeted children and parents inside the new store on Saturday. "It's a beautiful opportunity -- better rent. We're very pleased."

Photos above: Father and daughter owners, Ezra and Judy Ishayik, celebrate their new store; young shoppers sample the wares.

Ishayik, who runs Mary Arnold with his daughter Judy, said the store had been able to withstand the economic pressures created by Amazon and online toy retailers by offering services and warmth that was out of reach of online competitors.

"Everything here is gift-wrapped," he said. "We have free delivery within 20 blocks." Added daughter Judy: "We're very lucky because New Yorkers like supporting their neighborhood shops. You see your friends there. It's special."

The new location is only slightly smaller than the old one, and has as many nooks as the old store, where children to hide from their parents.

The new location is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.