SYLVANIA, Ohio. A beloved local toy store returns to Sylvania, Ohio this October with the grand re-opening of Learning Express Toys and Gifts at 5577 Monroe Street. Lifelong Ohio residents, new owners Rene and Rich Rusgo are excited to bring their passion for community to a small business that helps create memories for kids of all ages.
The grand re-opening is scheduled for Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11 AM. Gift raffles will be held, and all customers will receive 25% off the purchase of any one item.
Rene was born and raised in Beachwood, Ohio and moved to Toledo in 1987 and worked in the Toledo Jewish Community on and off for the last thirty years providing programs for all ages. Rich was born and raised in Toledo and was the co-owner and V.P of Warnock, Tanner and Associates (WTA) for the past 23 years.
Talking about the couple’s decision to reopen the store, which closed in January 2021, Rich said, “We made the decision to reopen Learning Express during COVID when we learned that it had closed in January. We knew that [former owners] Molly and Gary Fitzpatrick retired, and we saw the emails about it, and those emails just kept Rene thinking until she decided to send an email to inquire more about the store and what it would take to reopen. One email opened the door to another and another and here we are today, getting ready to literally open the doors to what was a meaningful and important store in our family’s life and that of our children’s.”
Rich continued, “We want to share in lifecycle events and bring joy and laughter to our community. We want everyone to feel welcome in the store and let it be an experience when they come to shop, just like it was for us. We have remodeled the store and we can’t wait to share the bright and roomy feeling of the store with everyone.”
Learning Express Toys & Gifts of Sylvania will be open Monday through Saturday 10am-7pm and Sundays 11am-5pm. Complimentary services include free gift wrapping, holiday wishlists, product personalization, and toy experts on staff to help you find the perfect gift. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LearningExpressSylvania/
Learning Express Toys, founded in 1987, is a franchised retail toy store concept focused on quality and educational toys and gifts for children of all ages. With franchised stores in 27 states, Learning Express Toys is the largest and most established specialty toy franchise business in America. To learn more, visit learningexpress.com/franchise.