January 28th 2024.
After being in business for 86 years, Jeffrey's Toys, the oldest toy shop in San Francisco, has announced that it will be closing its doors for good. The news has saddened many, as the shop was not only a beloved local spot, but also served as the inspiration for Pixar's beloved Toy Story franchise.
Founded in 1938 by the Luhn family, Jeffrey's Toys was a staple in the community, with a chain of seven stores at its peak. However, the shop has faced challenges in recent years, including crime and violence in the city, a decline in business due to the pandemic, and the overall decline of brick-and-mortar retail.
According to the family's attorney, Ken Sterling, the decision to close the store was not an easy one and all other options were explored before coming to this conclusion. Matthew Luhn, the current co-owner and son of founder Mark Luhn, had warned of the shop's struggles back in December, citing the high rent of $20,000 per month for their location on Kearny Street.
The Luhn family has been an integral part of the shop's success, with both Mark and his wife Rosie Coronado-Luhn playing important roles in running the business. Mark, who encouraged Matthew's love for drawing, also played a key role in the creation of Toy Story. In fact, during his time as a story artist and writer at Pixar in the 1990s, Matthew often turned to his father for ideas and inspiration for the film.
As a child, Matthew knew he would eventually take over the family business and he began learning the ropes at a young age. However, his career at Pixar took off and he worked there for over 20 years as an animator, writer, and story director. He fondly recalls his father's support and involvement in the making of Toy Story, with the family even visiting Jeffrey's Toys for reference and inspiration.
The news of Jeffrey's Toys closing has also brought attention to its famous patrons, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Barbra Streisand. And while the shop may be closing its doors, its impact on the community and the entertainment industry will not be forgotten.
If you have a celebrity story, video or pictures, the entertainment team at The Agency would love to hear from you. You can reach them by email, phone, or by visiting their Submit Stuff page. In the meantime, let's remember the legacy of Jeffrey's Toys and the role it played in inspiring one of the most beloved animated films of all time.
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