Oct. 30, 2025

Locally owned toy store Kidtopia is closing.

Owner Sheryl Nelson announced today that her store, which is at Dawley Farm Village, is going out of business. A liquidation sale is underway.

“This decision has not been made lightly, but I am very happy with it as it will leave me time to devote to my family and to other personal pursuits,” Nelson said in a statement.

“I have loved Kidtopia and being a part of our customers’ lives and community! I have so many wonderful memories! While change can be scary, it can be very exciting too. I am planning on moving to Minneapolis next year to live by my youngest daughter, Molly, who is getting married next spring. I guess I am just ready for the next chapter in my life, and I’m excited to see what that brings!”

Nelson also said she’d love to find someone to buy the business, but a deal will have to come together fairly soon because she hopes to close by the end of the year.

Much of the merchandise is marked 50 percent to 70 percent off, with the exception of Jellycat plush. Fixtures, shelving and holiday decor also are for sale.

Purchases made before Oct. 28 can be returned or exchanged within 30 days if they are unopened and in a condition to be resold. All purchases now are final.

Gift cards need to be redeemed as soon as possible, and no refunds will be given. Reward credits also need to be spent before the closing day, which has not be set.

Nelson plans to continue operating a booth at Makers Exchange in Tea, and merchandise there is not part of the liquidation. The original store at The Bridges at 57th opened in 2007. Nelson started there as an employee and six months later bought the business. She expanded to Dawley Farm Village in 2014 and closed The Bridges location in 2022.

Kidtopia’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.