Longtime local toy, education store announces it's closing its doors

After serving teachers and parents for decades, Stone's Education & Toys is closing down.

Posted 1:52 p.m. Aug 20, 2018 — Updated 2:07 p.m. Aug 21, 2018

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

CARY, N.C. — Since the 1940s, Stone's Education Superstore has been a destination for local teachers and parents.

Now it's closing its doors.

The store announced on its Facebook page Friday that the changing world of retail is forcing the decision.

"They say the only constant in life is change," the note says. "These last few years, there has been so much change in the world of retail: The next change involves us. ... We don't believe there is any more change that we can do that will be enough to keep our doors open, so the time has come for us to close our store."

Carol and David Madison purchased the business 13 years ago. At the time, Stone's, now called Stone's Education & Toys, was housed in a warehouse on Tryon Road, the store's home for 42 years. It was a go-to spot for teachers who needed to outfit their classrooms with tables, chairs, workbooks, games and decorative items.

In 2013, they opened in a new and bigger space at 210 Hampton Woods Lane off Chapel Hill Road in Cary. They made the move, in part, so they could focus not only on educational supplies for teachers, but add more toys as well.

"We want to create the best toy store in the area," David Madison told me back in 2013.

But the rise of Amazon and other online stores and a booming interest in video games, smartphones and tablets hasn't made it easy for retailers with puzzles, trucks, blocks and dolls. Toys R Us, for example, closed all 180 stores earlier this year.

"We are thankful to all of you who supported local business and our Stone's family through our many years here," the Madisons wrote. "While brick-and-mortar retail may not be the direction our economy is headed, we've appreciated the opportunity to meet so many of you, your children and hear your stories."

In their note to "friends, neighbors and customers," the Madisons wrote that they will be liquidating all of their merchandise over the next several weeks. Ambiente Modern Furniture will move into the building this fall. The furniture store is closing its showroom on Beryl Road this Sunday and will be in a pop-up location on Glenwood Avenue until Stone's closes.

And they shared some details about the closing:

The actual closing date will be by the end of September, depending on the inventory.
All sales are final.
They no longer are selling gift cards and advise those with gift cards to use them as soon as possible.
They no longer are accepting checks or sales on account.
They will be selling displays and office furniture as they are no longer needed.
They'll update their Facebook page with updates and specials.

The Madisons ended their note with heartfelt thoughts - and thanks - for North Carolina's teachers.

"Most importantly, we would like to give our most sincere thank you to the teachers," they wrote. "North Carolina is a great state, with great people and a bright future - thanks to you. We know you're underpaid and undervalued for what incredible contributions you make in our communities. Without your tireless dedication, our children would grow up very differently. Thank you for what you do. The fact that so many of you have chosen to spend your hard-earned dollars in our store means the world to us. We especially wish you all the best."

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