Babyland Makes A Move Around the Corner

Babyland, the Millburn go-to place for toys, games, birthday presents and kids' books, had been nestled quite happily on Essex Street for about a half-century.  But over the last year, owner Karen Aizenman began hankering for something new.

And while she and co-owners husband Jack and daughter Debbie Coppola would "never leave town," she said, a light and bright, brand-new space with lots of free parking began to seem like a good idea.

"It was time for a change," she said. "Parking was always an issue in our old location, especially since it became more expensive."

The move took about four months and was done bit by bit "behind the scenes." So when Babyland opened its new doors at 382 Millburn Ave., it was fully stocked and ready for business.

"We're getting good feedback from the customers," Aizenman said. "The new space is cozy and much brighter. It's easier to get to, too, especially with all the bridge construction on Millburn Avenue."

Babyland remains basically the same. "It's as close to the other store as it can be," she said. The new space echoes the old location—toys, games, puzzles, crafts and activity sets and the like are still grouped by variety, blocks with blocks, doctor kits with doctor kits.

The store is known for its "hard to find" toys and its boutique feel. Aizenman said, "I don't care what's 'in' this year, I try to stock items that you might not find elsewhere.  We have items that are different and unusual. We're always listening for customer needs, but we don't follow trends."

Aizenman won't admit to playing favorites with her toys. "I don't have any one favorite I do a lot of the buying and I only buy what I like," she said.

In keeping with the old-fashioned nature of the shop, there is no Babyland website,  although Aizenman said they happily take phone orders. You won't find a selection of DVDs, computer or video games and gadgets at the store either.  But you will find Madame Alexander dolls, musical instruments and bamboo block sets as well as a great assortment of dollhouses that Babyland will assemble free of charge.

Presently the store is not stocking furniture or cribs. Strollers will be back in stock after the first of the year.