Sparkhouse in South Orange
Sparkhouse — South Orange’s favorite toy store — has a new home. The award-winning shop is set to open in its brand new location at 9 Village Plaza, adjacent to Spiotta Park in the heart of the Village, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The new location has roughly the same amount of square feet as the current store on Scotland Road, but is more efficiently laid out and centrally located, said co-owner Michael Casaren in a recent phone interview.
“We’re very excited about it,” he said.
After Casaren and co-owner Celina Herrero opened Sparkhouse in 2008, it fast became a go-to place for cool toys and books, and was named Best Toy Store in the state by New Jersey Monthly.
The owners are putting the finishing touches on a renovation to the space — which was most recently a shoe store. (Before that, it was the Beaded Path, It’s a Wrap, a bookstore, and a butcher shop, Casaren said).
A recent tour revealed a cozy, bright space filled with historic charm, including original tin ceilings and hardwood floors. There is parking in the municipal parking lot right behind the store, as well as short term parking on Village Plaza.
Casaren said Sparkhouse will take full advantage of its parkside location and host events and activities for kids in the warm weather. Look for a grand opening in the spring, said Herrero.
Sparkhouse, 9 Village Plaza, (973) 821-5227
