Tons of Toys to Open on Main St.

No need for Madison residents to drive to the Short Hills mall for toys anymore; Tons of Toys is opening its third store on Main Street. Although it may look open, part owner Chris Brinkofski says they still have some work to do, but should be open before April.

"We decided to start at the front and work backwards," said Brinkofski.

As long as Brinkofski and co-owner and Tons of Toys founder Gerry Maietta are working at the Madison location, they throw open the doors and are happy to answer questions from passers-by. Foot traffic has been great, says Brinkofski, and Madison shoppers' interests have been piqued.  

Gerry and Robin Maietta started Tons of Toys in Wyckoff  in 1989. In 2004, their son Ken took over the Wyckoff store and five years ago, the Maiettas opened a second store in Chatham. Business at the Chatham store has been "OK" according to Brinkofski, but they were looking for a location to either supplement or eventually replace the Chatham store.

"(Madison is a) beautiful place, and we found a great location and a great landlord," said Brinkofski. "It was too good to pass up."

Seven years ago, Brinkofski was just looking for a part-time job with flexible hours. He started working at Tons of Toys because it was convenient, close to William Paterson (where he was studying communications and business management), and the owner let him work around his class schedule. Now, Brinkofski is part owner of the company, and has become a close friend of the family.

"Longevity, the amount of time I worked (at Tons of Toys) has something to do with it," he says. "But the Maiettas realized I worked hard for them and they took care of me."

Brinkofski is looking forward to his new role as manager/part owner. He likes to be able to make his own schedule, and appreciates the fact that the results of his hard work are tangible. But he admits the new responsibility is daunting.

"You're the reason of the store does or doesn't do well," he said.

There are two more benefits for Brinkofski. One is that, through the recent economic downturn, Tons of Toys has done well, and Brinkofski attributes that to their product.

"Toys are kind of recession-proof," he says while knocking on a wooden table. "Parents and grandparents will take away from themselves before they'll take away from their kids."

The other reason?

"It's a nice environment to work in," said Brinkofski. "The customers are usually in a pretty good mood; it's an easy product to work with; and I like to see the smiles on kids' faces."

Tons of Toys is seeking to hire locally; they're looking for two or three college students with flexible schedules. Apply in person at 64 Main St.