SHARE

Blinn's Toy Store In Fairfield To Close Doors After 82 Years

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Blinn’s, a Fairfield toy store and neighbor for the past 82 years, announced that it will be closing its doors for good in the next few months.

Mark Crofutt (left) announced Monday, Feb. 2, that Blinn's would be closing its doors for good in the coming months.

Mark Crofutt (left) announced Monday, Feb. 2, that Blinn's would be closing its doors for good in the coming months.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Marilyn Crofutt helps a customer on a slow Friday afternoon.

Marilyn Crofutt helps a customer on a slow Friday afternoon.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Blinn's clearance sale and store hours.

Blinn's clearance sale and store hours.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio

Mark Crofutt and his wife, Marilyn, have owned and operated the local business for the past 20 years, but have seen a dramatic drop in sales over the past few years.

“Things were going pretty normal until about two years ago,” Mark Crofutt said. “Two years ago was bad, but the last year was just terrible.”

According to the Crofutts, the toy store - which offers everything from art supplies to skim boards - just couldn’t compete with the Internet marketplace.

Sherry D’Elia, a Fairfield resident shopping at Blinn’s on Friday, said she had no idea of the owner’s decision to close.

“Blinn’s is a great place to come to get something different,” she said as Mark Crofutt rang up her purchase. “It’s disappointing, knowing I won’t have this go-to place to buy something original anymore.”

And while disappointment summed up customers feelings about the news, it only scratched the surface of the atmosphere of the store.

“It’s like a funeral in here,” Marilyn Crofutt said. “It’s like somebody died.”

Mark Crofutt said he is projecting the final day will occur sometime in April, but he added it depends on how quickly they can sell their inventory. As the property owners, the couple said they have been receiving offers since before they made the decision to close and plan on selling the property after the store closes.

“I’d always gotten calls from people interested in the property,” Mark Crofutt said. “But the day I made the announcement on Facebook, I must get like 60 calls a day now.”

Originally a musician by trade, Mark Crofutt tried to look on the bright side Friday, saying he’s looking forward to retirement and “playing gigs until the money runs out.”

“I’m grateful to the customers who have supported us through the generations, throughout the decades,” Mark Crofutt said. “I never thought this was going to happen.”

Blinn's is located at 50 Unquowa Place. Call 203-259-5229 or visit the website and Facebook page for more information. 

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE