Einstein's Attic toy store opens in Huntington

When Northport resident Lori Badanes' daughters were young, they would often visit Little Switzerland Toys & Dolls in Huntington as a treat after mother’s group meetups and annual visits to the pediatrician.

“Little Switzerland always struck me as the most beautiful store with unique merchandise that truly delighted my daughters, enriched their learning, imaginations and memories by adding family time,” says Badanes, who has owned her own  toy store, Einstein’s Attic, in Northport since 2014.

After more than 40 years as a staple in the community, Little Switzerland closed in January when owner Lily Bergh retired. Wanting to keep the toy store legacy alive, Badanes opened a second Einstein’s Attic at the location in February.

“I’ve learned so much from Lily over the years. She has been a great mentor,” Badanes says of her connection with Bergh. “Having an existing store in Northport, we started seeing occasional and loyal customers from Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Huntington and Centerport. It seemed like a natural fit for Einstein’s Attic to be in Northport and Huntington, easily accessible to all who need us,” she adds.

Einstein’s Attic sells a curated collection of baby clothes, gifts, and toys that Badanes says “inspire imagination and curiosity.” The store also boasts a large selection of the latest educational toys, as well as online gifting. Fun merchandise for teens and tweens includes Jellycat toys, StickerBeans, Taylor Swift activity books and tumblers, board games, art supplies and sports cards. Prices start at $3.99 for books to $585 for a fully furnished doll house. The store offers complimentary gift wrapping. 

“Owning a small business in the village of Northport, and now Huntington, is hard work, rewarding and wonderful,” she says. “Every time a child stops to look in our window there's a sense of fun and wonder that is contagious.”

267 Main St., Huntington, 631-549-8743, shopeinsteinsattic.com