KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Toy City owner Steve Levy joined WKBK’s “Good Morning with Dan Mitchell” on Wednesday to talk about his decision to retire and close the long-running Keene toy store after more than five decades in business.

During the interview, Levy said the looming redevelopment of the Key Road plaza — where Revo Casino will move — forced him to weigh whether to move, sell, or shut down the business he’s operated since 1972. After months of deliberation, he chose retirement.

“I tried to look at what would be best for me, my employees, and the community,” Levy said. “In the end, I realized I’d be in the same position five years from now — just older. Life is too short.”

Levy acknowledged that closing Toy City leaves the region without a specialty toy and hobby shop, something that gave him pause. “That’s the part that really bothered me,” he said. “Where do you go for quality stuff?”

But he said the outpouring from customers since announcing his retirement has been “unbelievable” and deeply emotional. Many longtime shoppers — now adults who first visited the store as children — have stopped in to share stories and express gratitude.

Levy confirmed that he must vacate the space by March 31, 2026, under an early buyout agreement with the plaza’s owner. He expects the store’s final day of sales to be at the end of January to give him two months to clear out fixtures and equipment. A retirement sale is underway, with at least 20 percent off everything in the store, including puzzles, toys, remote-control vehicles, drones, hobby supplies, and juvenile furniture.

Though he has received a few inquiries about selling the business, Levy said he’s proceeding under the assumption that Toy City will close unless a serious buyer or employee-led purchase comes together soon. “I’m either in or I’m out,” he said. “My mind is made up that I’m out.”

Levy, who typically took only about seven days off a year, said he has loved nearly every day working at Toy City, crediting the community — and generations of young visitors — for making the job meaningful.

“The kids and their smiles… it’s just been great,” he said.

Mitchell encouraged listeners to stop in during the holiday season, both to shop and to thank Levy in person during Toy City’s final weeks.

Listen to the full interview: