Toy Shop Sells Memories Along With Ant Farms and Bosco

The past is never passé at Big Kid Collectable Toy Mall and Retro Store in Sherman Oaks. A Bozo Bop Bag bounces about. Star Trek action figures and props hover along the aisles, Uncle Milton Ant Farms swarm the shelves while the original Rubik’s Cube adds a colorful twist to the pleasingly time-warped toy shop.

Located on Burbank Boulevard, the store caters mainly to nostalgic adults who get a kick out of rediscovering toys they played with as little kids.

“With all that’s going on, people are looking more at the past,” said store owner Dave Levy. “For some reason people look at the past as a better, easier time.”

Levy greets customers by their first names as they stroll in, often with their children.

“I like to educate kids about toys from the past,” Levy said. Most of his customers have been coming in since the store opened seven years ago, he said.

“This place is awesome,” said Sherman Oaks resident Chris Cade, who was checking out the store’s new layout with his 7-year-old son, Tyler. “We come here all the time. Dave is great. He takes care of the customers. They really welcome people here.”

Actor Seth Green and Roger Daltrey from the rock band the Who were regulars for years.

Makers of the sci-fi movie Super 8, released in June, bought props from the sentimental toy store.

Big Kid is next door to a popular, busy diner, Nat’s Coffee Shoppe. The two businesses work hand in hand. People who wait to be seated at Nat’s are encouraged to go next door until their name is called through a joint intercom system. While they wait, children play games, watch TV and get fun prizes at Big Kid.

Levy and his team are constantly redesigning the store, moving things around to make it a new experience each time a customer enters. 

“Everything’s been a creative learning process for us,” said Nick Liberatore, manager. “We learned as we went. We do everything for our customers. We really love them.”

Big Kid’s best sellers are the food products, Levy said. There’s plenty of Quisp cereal, Bosco chocolate syrup, bubble gum cigarettes and Flicks chocolates.

The original manufacturers produce and package all the candy and toys in their original form.

“We go out of our way to find it and get it into the store,” Levy said. “We’re always getting new, old toys. Whether you’re 8 or you’re 80, you’ll love this place. You’ll get nostalgic."

Big Kid Collectable Toy Mall and Retro Store, 14109 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks.