Earth Explorer Toys plans to close by end of May

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Earth Explorer Toys announced April 17 that it is going out of business. (Photos by Heather Lusk)
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Earth Explorer Toys announced April 17 that it is going out of business. (Photos by Heather Lusk)

By Heather Lusk

Fifteen years ago when Terri Bracken decided to open a toy store, her husband declared that if it managed to stay open for one year, it wouldn’t last for five years.

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Earth Explorer Toys announced April 17 that it is going out of business. (Photos by Heather Lusk)

Now just months from the 15th anniversary, Earth Explorer Toys will be closing its doors at the end of May.

“Retail is difficult,” Bracken said. “The little niche we used to be able to operate in is gone.”

The toy store on Pine Street in downtown Zionsville stocks educational games, crafts, science items and baby toys, and over the years involved children in camps, game testing and toy testing.

The continued impact of online shopping has hurt Bracken’s business and she knew it was time to close her doors.

“Support your downtown merchants or they’re not going to be here,” she said. “You’re not going to be able to feel and touch these things if you don’t support them.”

The previous store owner had sold gardening supplies with some toys and gift items, so Bracken kept the name “Earth Explorers” simply adding the word “Toys.” With her own children being in elementary school at the time, she wanted to open a retail shop where she could spend time with kids.

“I loved that I could play all day,” she said.

Once the store closes Bracken doesn’t have future plans beyond enjoying her summer. Over the years she has enjoyed sponsoring classes, seeing families during the summer months and a toy tester event a few years ago that raised money for charity.

And Bracken appreciates all of the families she’s met over the years.

“I think 15 years is long time,” she said. “Thank you for letting us be your toy store.”


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