Toy store Einstein's Attic opens new location in Manhasset
A carousel horse in the new Einstein’s Attic toy store in Manhasset. Credit: Einstein’s Attic
Step into Einstein’s Attic in Manhasset and you’ll find a charming boutique filled with toys to grow on, clothes for babies and kids up to age 2 and fun gifts.
"It’s our most beautiful store yet," says owner Lori Badanes. "The opening has been in the works for the past seven months."
When the store debuted in November, it joined its three sibling locations — in Northport, which Badanes took over in 2014, plus spinoff outposts in Madison, Connecticut, and Huntington village.
This year’s expansion came in response to customer demand.
Owner Lori Badanes says she noticed customers traveling from Manhasset to shop at the Huntington outpost. Credit: Einstein’s Attic
"We started to notice a lot of people from Manhasset traveling to our Huntington store."
The new shop reflects the experience at the other locations. "We have a strong recipe for success," says Badanes, who studied psychology in college and has two children in their 20s. "Manhasset is just really going to follow the same formula."
Key ingredients include excellent customer service, gift wrapping and delivery. And, of course, there is the thoughtfully curated selection of hands-on learning and developmental toys that is a signature. Prices run from $5 to $200.
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"When you push the different switches and parts of this wooden robot, different things happen," Badanes says. "Kids learn about cause and effect."
Key to the look of the new retail space — crisp white walls let the merchandise pop — is a delightful antique carousel horse. The white steed with a pink-and-gold saddle is a playful conversation starter and a prime design element.
"It’s become a centerpiece of the shop," says Badanes, who bought it from the Huntington Historical Society. "The purchase helped fund educational programs for children," she says.
Badanes prides herself on cultivating strong community ties through initiatives like supporting local food pantries.
"Einstein's Attic is a wonderful platform for us to do community work," Badanes says. "I find that very gratifying."
Einstein’s Attic, 1453 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, 516-754-9761, shopeinsteinsattic.com.
