A Toy Store's Future In Castro Valley Looked Uncertain. Then, Community Showed Up

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — The future of The Prize Booth, a Castro Valley toy store, felt uncertain after the building they were in was sold two months ago.

Now, it appears the popular business is here to stay after community members rallied to keep it local.

"When we set our goal we weren't sure if we were going to make it in the 40 days, so we aimed for a reasonable goal," Erin Fritts, co-owner of The Prize Booth, said. "Who knew we would make it in 1 day?!?! That's bananas!!"

The Prize Booth opened in 2023 after its owners drove past the little A-frame shop where they're currently located.

It appeared to be a mainstay in the community until about two months ago, when the building they were in was sold. The new owners told them they'd need the whole building for their plans, ending their lease.

Fritts created a Kickstarter campaign on Tuesday, June 16, asking for help meeting the $30,000 goal they'd need to relocate. By the following day, the goal had been reached.

As of Tuesday afternoon, it has surpassed the goal, raising more than $50,000 to keep the business in Castro Valley.

"A lot of businesses have moved out of Castro Valley in the course of COVID. We don't like that," Castro Valley resident Suzanne Lang told ABC7. "We are driving to San Ramon and Dublin and spending our money there because there are a lot more businesses there that are staying there for longer periods of time."

Fritts says they're currently looking around Castro Valley for a new location. They hope to have it settled and ready to go by the time school starts again in August, according to the Kickstarter campaign.

"If you know of any potential landing spots please let us know," Fritts says. "Again, thank you so much, we cannot express how insanely wonderful you are all!!!"