The death of the brick and mortar toy store | Hacker News

Hacker News commenters said physical toy stores are fading as online browsing and tablets offer easier, more complete shopping experiences.

Standalone shops often lack destination appeal, while clusters of nearby stores and mixed-use downtowns can help draw foot traffic.

High downtown retail rents make it harder for small businesses to survive, especially when compared with lower-cost alternatives online.

The discussion linked retail decline to broader downtown revitalization efforts and the health of indie shops and vacant storefronts.