Big Fun’s Big Announcement
Pops(a guy who I got out of "retirement" and one who didn't know the difference between Star Wars and Star Trek) and me from that special day, nearly 27 years ago.
When I told Family and Friends that I was going to open a shop that would specialize in collectible toys, novelties, and jokes and gags... the majority responded. " Are you nuts ?"
Before I could even respond, almost all, immediately answered their own question. "Yep, you're nuts...Tell me again what you are planning to do."
For the majority of those 27 years, I've often been asked what I do for a living. My response was always..."I have an award winning toy and gift store." Sometimes, depending on whom I was speaking to, I would respond.... "I sell collectibles or I'm a purveyor of poop and fake vomit." However, a little over 1 year ago, I finally realized what I actually do and I now answer... "I make people happy." I'm damn proud of that.
Big Fun is not a toy store, it's a vessel. It's allowed me, my staff, and our customers to go on a journey. As my friend and guru, Ted Frankel says..." Our stores are a safe place on the Monopoly board and you can come shopping and leave smiling. I've been truly blessed to have met the most incredible people because of Big Fun. They have influenced not only the way that I operate my business, but more importantly, the way that I lead my life. I learned even more about community. I had an incredible mentor and friend in Tommy Fello. These "guides," like Steve Israel and Mike Goyda, whose philosophy and visionary views of life, have shaped me into the person that I am today. I am forever thankful. Life is a series of journeys, composed of paths well or ill taken. For me, life is like a book, with chapters written and some to be created and composed later. My dear, dear friends, Jonny and Dave, listened to hours of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. My wife Debbie and my kids, Arleigh(Alex), Brynne(Nick), and Merrick, who not only supported me, but graciously shared me with the community that I so dearly love. Luckily, Debbie, not only allowed me to chase my dream of Big Fun, but she also supported me emotionally and was my ear for so much. To Mom and Pops...I couldn't ask for better. To my in-laws, Bob and Jan, who trusted me with their daughter and a crazy idea.
I used to joke that they would have to carry me out of Big Fun horizontally. Well, I am here today to say that I much prefer the alternative. This is a decision that is incredibly difficult. There are so many variables to this equation...so many layers and so many people involved. This decision is being made after countless hours of discussion with Family, Friends, and business colleagues, whom I respect dearly. So with heavy heart....I have decided to close Big Fun on Coventry. We are going out with a bang! Everything and I mean everything, is 50% OFF, starting this Friday February 2nd. You have to remember, Big Fun has been in business for more than a quarter century. We have basement full of goodies that we have acquired from people, for all those years.There's tons of great stuff and all will be half off. We will be bringing items up daily from our 3,000 + square foot basement. In the proverbial words of Ron Popeil, a man I met and of pocket fisherman fame..."But wait, there's more!" After we clear out Big Fun proper, we'll be hitting our warehouse, where I've stored some of my amazing finds from years of going on archaeological digs in toy store and distributor warehouses. I bought boxes of stuff 25 years ago, that was 35 years old back then and this stuff hasn't seen daylight since! There's parts and pieces that would be great for artists to create their own works of art. There's history, there's pop culture, there's love in each and every box. I've been curator of collectible curiosity for most of my adult lifetime. So... This neigborhood, this city,which I dearly love, and especially this street, we call Coventry, will forever be a piece of my genetic makeup. I will miss my fellow independent store owners, like Suzanne at Mac's Backs, Kathy at The Grog Shop,Bob and Ann at Passport to Peru,Rob and Mike at Record Revolution, Rosanne and Jim at Diamond's Florist, Andy, Tom, Jef, Brian and the gang at Heights Hardware, Laurie at Blush, and Larry at City Buddha.( there are many more) My fellow Coventry Board members(especially the Executive Board), who have spent countless hours to make our street, a better place. Angie Hetrick for her hours of dedication to the street. To City officials, Police, and Fire department, along with other City workers who have worked with me so many times. Many thanks to the local non-profit and social organizations that are what makes Cleveland Heights so special. I was always taught to surround myself with good people. I'm wise enough to know that it makes even more sense that they are smarter and more knowledgeable than me in many areas. Thank you to my incredible staff for making the Big Fun shopping experience so enjoyable for our beloved customers. Finally, I will miss you, my special customers, whom I will always remember and treat like my Fun Family. Thank you for allowing Big Fun to put smiles on your faces. This notice was supposed to be short and sweet and to the point, but those who know me, know that I can take a Henny Youngman one-liner and turn it into a Shakespearean soliloquy...for better or worse.
So, while I have your attention(some may have read this long winded piece)...We will be extending the sale at VINTAGE APPAREL through Sunday February 11th, where we sell never worn, Made in Cleveland, vintage knitwear clothing. The clothing shop is a block down the street at 1782 Coventry(the old American Apparel)
2 for the price of one...50/50 Sale...However you want to word it. Bottom line: Great deals.
SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!!
POPS AND ME ... April Fools Day 1991: Opening Day at the old Big Fun(across the street from where we are today)
