A well-known and much-loved toy store in Sidney is preparing to close after decades in the community.
Buddies Toys has announced it will be closing its doors this spring, with its final day of business set for Saturday, April 4th.
The closure will fall on Easter weekend and marks the end of an era for many families who grew up visiting the independent toy store in Sidney.
Owner Lauren Powell shared the news in a message posted to the store’s website, saying the decision comes down to timing and a desire for change.
With the store’s lease expiring in April, renewing would have required a new five-year commitment. Powell said that reality prompted her to reflect on her future and ultimately led to the decision to close.
She explained that after many years in retail, she no longer has the energy or excitement needed to take on another long chapter in the industry and feels ready for something different.
Powell added that the timing feels right and that she sees the closure as a natural transition rather than a sudden or forced one.
Buddies Toys has been part of the Sidney community since 1989.
The store was originally founded by Powell’s aunt Carol and her mother Jane, and Powell herself grew up working in the shop. She officially took over ownership in 2019 but has spent roughly 25 years behind the counter, making the store a constant presence throughout much of her life.
Powell said her decision was met with full support from her family, including her mom and aunt, who both encouraged her to trust her instincts after years of firsthand experience in retail.
She also shared appreciation for her husband and children, who she said are excited for her to take a break and begin thinking about what comes next.
She expressed particular gratitude for her staff, noting that many of them have been with the store through the challenges of the past decade. Powell said telling staff about the closure brought tears, but also served as a reminder of how lucky she has been to work alongside such a dedicated team.
As the store winds down, Buddies Toys has begun a series of closing sales both in store and online. Discounts are already underway, with a large clearance section offering significant savings.
Some exclusions apply, and the store has outlined changes to its points program, gift cards, and return policy as it approaches its final weeks of operation. Customers are encouraged to use any remaining points or gift cards before the store closes in April.
For many families on the Saanich Peninsula and beyond, Buddies Toys has been more than just a place to buy gifts. It has been a destination for birthdays, holidays, and unhurried afternoons spent wandering through a space designed to spark imagination.
In a previous interview, Powell reflected on how retail has evolved over the years, noting that while technology and shopping habits have changed, the joy of shopping in person — especially in a toy store — has remained constant.
This spring, that chapter will come to a close.
