Coventry Village, the commercial business district situated in Cleveland Heights, has long taken pride as Cleveland’s home to locally owned and operated businesses. The quaint, artistic and “hipster” community boasts 50 independent businesses spanning just a quarter-mile stretch along Coventry Road. Sadly, that number will decrease to 49 as one of Cleveland’s greatest hidden-gems, Big FunToy Store, will close its doors at the end of this month.
Big Fun was opened in 1991 by Steve Presser after a visit to a Chicago-based store called Goodies. “I walked in there, and it was an epiphany for me. It was the most magical place in the world,” Presser said.
For the past 27 years, Big Fun served as a beloved pit-stop for Coventry Villageshoppers, both young and old. From whoopee cushions to Hilary Clinton masks, Big Fun kept it in stock. The store specialized in Star Wars, Transformers and G.I. Joe figurines as well. Just this past November, Big Fun was featured in an article by USA Today as one of the best retail locations to shop in the state of Ohio. “Visitors to Cleveland Heights, Ohio should check out the Big Fun Toy Store, with its variety of lunch boxes, blow-up toys, candy, dolls, and classic toys," claimed the article.
In February of this year, Presser made a tough and emotional decision that he would close Big Fun at the end of the stores lease in June of 2018.
The changing nature of retail over the last decade has played a large role in Presser’s decision to close down the shop. E-commerce goliaths like Amazon and eBay have changed the competitive landscape in a way that makes it difficult to sustain the business.
"It's time," says owner Steve Presser. "It's been my adult life, I always wanted to put a smile on people's faces, but it's time. The market has changed, the impact of the internet on small business cannot be overstated. The new generation of shoppers are happy to stay home and shop."
Tommy Fello, owner of another Coventry Village main-stay Tommy’s Restaurant, has grown close with Presser over the years. In a post made on the Tommy’s Restaurant Facebook page, Tommy had this to say about long-time friend and Coventry Village companion:
“It’s amazing how you continually put everyone else’s needs before your own no matter how busy you are while modeling to future generations the importance of giving back to your community. Your influence and innovation have always transcended the brick and mortar store and will continue to impact Coventry. You have influenced my life on many levels and have become my best friend and partner in crime.”
Big Fun is more than just a local business, it has anchored a community for over 27-years. Its closing is unfortunate, but it is the reality of today's marketplace. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to support our local shops and independent business owners.
Thank you, Big Fun (and Steve Presser), you have put smiles on Clevelanders' faces for quite some time! You will be missed!!
CPM
