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Chicago toy store marks 40th year with Niles celebration
Founded in 1972 by Richard Bosak, Chicagoland Toys & Hobbies has been owned and operated by Richard’s son, Greg Bosak (pictured) since 1993. | Contributed photo
Updated: August 17, 2012 9:01PM
NILES — One of Chicago’s oldest independent toy and hobby retailers is honoring its 40th business anniversary by hosting a large-scale celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at White Eagle Banquets, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles, according to a news release.
The event is free and open to the public. Music provided by a live disc-jockey, hot dogs and a wide variety of live demonstrations are scheduled. The demonstrations will include radio-controlled cars, planes and helicopters, rockets, and model trains operating on full-scale displays. The demonstrations will be conducted both indoors and outdoors in the White Eagle’s parking lot. Manufacturers of hobby products will be on site to display their latest merchandise. Free prizes for the kids will be provided.
Founded in 1972 by Richard Bosak, Chicagoland Toys & Hobbies has been owned and operated by Richard’s son Greg since 1993. The store has become a destination location for children and adults who enjoy model trains, model cars, radio-controlled vehicles, rockets, slot cars, science projects, games and more. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will find many of their camping, uniforms and accessories needs here too.
Greg Bosak states his store’s staying power can be attributed to a combination of 150 years of combined experience, personalized one-on-one service, a wide variety of brands and products, and the ability to stimulate the customer’s creativity and imagination, the release stated.
“Our selection of product far exceeds that of the big box stores,” Bosak stated in the release. “We carry many major brand names along with independent and specialty brands. And we service (in-house) everything we sell.”
Bosak says that interest in models and hobbies among children continues to be strong despite the popularity of computer video games. When asked about his secret to operating a successful business for 40 years, Bosak believes his customers have a high level of confidence and trust in his products and services.
“These products are timeless and will always be popular,” Bosak says.
And, he stays current with the newest product trends and technologies.
Chicagoland Toys & Hobbies is at 6017 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago. Call (773) 775-4848 or go to the company’s website: www.chicagolandtoysandhobbies.com.
