Joy to the world — or at least North Austinites, who will have all of the fun when their new neighbors move in. Toy Joy and Yummi Joy, the colorful toy and candy stores, are relocating from Airport Boulevard to 5501 Burnet Rd.
This will give the collection tons of room to stretch out, going from a crowded strip mall squeeze to its own standalone building that's 50 percent bigger.
These recognizable stores are mostly widely known for their curb appeal, enticing visitors in with bright colors, comic book stylings, and mountains of kitch just visible through the windows.
To those who have wandered into the various locations over Toy Joy's 36 years have come to know it for its wide selection that doesn't color inside the lines. The collection is eclectic and often nostalgic, drawing in adults as much as kids.
Yummi Joy is much newer, having been founded in 2017. It embraces the same nostalgia with rows of bulk candy bins, and the same weirdness in little details, like squid ink non-dairy ice cream, or a flavor ambiguously titled "Third Eye." If these picks from Gati Ice Cream seem a little mature, wait til you try the Thai coffee and pandan flavors.
Yummi Joy also serves coffee by Little City Coffee Roasters, and the new location has some new offerings, although they have not been explicitly announced.
The all-ages inclusivity goes beyond the material offerings at the new location, which will include more social opportunities in addition to all the eye candy.
“We’re really stoked to be able to take our Toy Joy and Yummi Joy concepts up another level in this larger space,” said partner, COO and principal toy curator Robby Pettinato in a press release.
“This new location will feature an ‘events loft,’" he continued, "where we can better host regular gatherings of game and hobby enthusiasts like Dungeons & Dragons game nights, Gundam model-building groups, toy swaps, birthday parties, and more.”
The building used to house Karavel Shoes, a practical store that focused on comfortable footwear. Of course, this building will need an upgrade to keep up with Toy Joy's big image, and it aims to fit right in with the other businesses in the Lo-Burn IBIZ District, which is known for its retro vibes and eclectic shopping from longtime Austin favorites.
Toy Joy and its sister store Yummi Joy are moving into a new building Burnet Road, opening in early July.
Walls will be repainted hot pink with green slime oozing over the top edge. Otto, the cat mascot, will overlook the property from the highest point, and make the building unmissable to passers-by.
“We are very thankful that, as a company and with our unique brands, we weathered the past few tough years for indie retail,” said CEO Teghan Hahn. “We are excited to join other iconic Austin businesses in the district and deliver our fun toys and treats to what is now our third generation of customers in a great new space. We are looking forward to future growth!”
Toy Joy and Yummi Joy on West 2nd Street will stay where they are, having booked 10 years in the downtown locale. The location in the airport at Gate 10 (not to be confused with Airport Boulevard, much farther north) also remains.
More information about Toy Joy, Yummi Joy, and next steps in opening is available at toyjoy.com.
