The iconic Jeffrey’s Toys, which served as the inspiration for the beloved ‘Toy Story’ films, is sadly closing its doors after 86 years in business. The decision to permanently shut down the store comes as a result of the prevalent crime and violence in San Francisco’s downtown area, along with other economic challenges.

Announcing the closure, attorney Ken Sterling cited the enduring struggles faced by the store, including the adverse downtown environment, inflation, declining consumer spending, and the global decline of retail. The family behind Jeffrey’s Toys expressed deep sadness at this outcome, emphasizing that all possible alternatives to sustain the business had been thoroughly explored.

Established in 1938 by the Luhn family, Jeffrey’s Toys initially operated multiple locations across the Bay Area. It was founded by Morton and Birdie Luhn, who transformed their five-and-dime variety store, ‘Birdies Variety,’ into ‘Birdie’s Toy House’ after World War II, focusing exclusively on selling toys. The store was later passed down to their grandson Mark Luhn, whose son, Matthew Luhn, is the current co-owner and had previously worked for Pixar as a story artist and writer in the mid-1990s.

Matthew Luhn shared that ‘Toy Story’ drew inspiration from Jeffrey’s Toys, with his father often visiting the store to provide ideas during the film’s production. The store played a significant role in the creative process for the ‘Toy Story’ movies, serving as a key reference point for the filmmakers.

Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Jeffrey’s Toys has been forced to close its last remaining location in the Financial District of San Francisco at the end of February. This marks the end of an era for the iconic toy store, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced popular culture and the hearts of many.