Walking into Toy De Jour: Vintage, Toys, Arts & Farts is like stepping back in time to 1985. This vintage toy store, which opened on Monday, sells everything your innocent young heart ever desired—My Little Pony, He-Man, Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers—you name it. Only now, you don't need mom and dad's permission.
The owners, husband and wife team Sam Wells and Liz McArthur, have been collecting and selling toys, art, and other pieces of vintage together for more than 15 years. Since opening, Wells says the general reaction from shoppers has been fun to watch. “There’s been a lot of, ‘Oooh, I used to have that!’ and ‘Oh man, I always wanted one of those!’ with people reminiscing,” he says.
Along with fulfilling childhood toy dreams, the duo also sells vintage clothing, jewelry, and other collectibles—including a record player cabinet, couch, and artwork. It’s a mishmash of vintage, adding to the nostalgia shoppers feel when they walk into the store.
Toy de Jour is located at 2064 N. Western Ave. on the border of Logan Square and Bucktown, adding to the already thriving area off the Western Blue Line stop near Challengers Comics + Conversation and Margie’s Candies.