Jun 6, 2009

Unique toy store opens in downtown PleasantonBy Jeb BingPleasantonWeekly.com

A new toy store that promises to be as unique in its merchandising as its owners, Dee and Rob Nitzsche, are in their concepts about what a successful toy store should be opened in downtown Pleasanton Saturday to several hundred children and their parents after a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting.

Mayor Jennifer Hosterman and City Councilman Jerry Thorne helped cut the ribbon to open Your Stage Toys at 63 E. Angela St. during a crowded Farmers Market. The new store is in the building that Berry Patch occupied before moving across the street last month.

It’s an unusual venture for the Nitzsches, although the store with its open stage for performances, puppets and a global offering of toys that promote imagination fits in with the dreams and skills both have had along the way.

The Nitzsches have taken their profitable online business at www.yourstageinc.com, and added a “brick and mortar” component. The 1,000-square-foot store has display counters and racks of toys, hand puppets, and kid’s room decor with a full stage in the back of the store, red curtain and all, where tots to teens can put on shows.

Capt’n Jack Spareribs, who was voted the “Best Family Fun” in the Bay Area for 2009, joined the Nitzsches for the grand opening, becoming the first of a number of guest performers for Saturday stage performances. Next Saturday, Magic Dan, a Bay Area favorite magician who has been entertaining audiences for the last 20 years, will perform on the Nitzsches’ stage along with The Front Porch, a local folk band

The Nitzsches said they’re planning performances at least once a week ranging from puppet performances, magic shows, musical presentations and dances. They’re especially interested in bringing out the actor and actress in every youngster and will have professionals on hand to help youths create their own show.

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