Toy World set to bring toys and games back to Keene

The shop is moving into a long-empty storefront as the holiday season approaches.

Keene is getting a new place for toys, games and hobby gear, with Toy World expected to open in late October at 460 West St., according to co-owner Justin Wescott. The shop is moving into a long-empty storefront as the holiday season approaches.

The business will also use the adjoining space at 462 West St., which was previously home to Payless Shoesource until it closed in 2019. Renovations are underway in both areas, including work to open the wall between them so customers can move easily from the main store into the activity space.

That second section is planned to include a large racetrack for remote control cars, multiple game tables and a crawl space for children. The store’s inventory is expected to feature board games, puzzles, game accessories, war games, remote control cars and trucks, along with other hobby supplies.

Wescott and co-owner Charles Dockum are aiming to step into the gap left by Toy City, the longtime Keene store that shut down in January after about 50 years. Both owners previously worked there before Revo Casino and Social House moved into the site and owner Steve Levy retired. Levy is now serving as a consultant, Wescott said.

Wescott said stores of this kind typically offer more specialized products than large retail chains, and employees with hobby experience can help customers choose items that fit their interests and needs. The owners have been posting progress updates on the store’s Facebook page.