It’s one of the most famous toy store brands, disappearing three years ago from locations across the States but now FAO Schwartz – most famous from its charming role in Tom Hanks film Big – is making a prominent return to Manhattan.
The iconic toy store FAO Schwartz is being revived after its departure from the scene three years ago, returning to New York’s Manhattan this year.
The toy store, known for its interactive in-store entertainment, like the giant piano made iconic by the film, Big, is opening up a new shop in Rockefeller Plaza, in time for the Christmas shopping season.
ToyNews first reported on the store’s plans to return to Manhattan in June this year. FAO Schwartz was originally known for its store on Fifth Avenue. The new store is to be located around five blocks south of the old one.
The new store is being developed by Threesixty Group, a product developer and distributor, which purchased the entire brand from Toys R Us in 2016. Threesixty did not disclose the terms of the store’s lease of the 20,000 square foot of estate.

