Molly's Fashion Boutique and Funtastic Toyz opens after transformation

MEDINA — Molly's Fashion Boutique and Funtastic Toyz have gone through a major transformation in the last month.Funtastic Toyz opened Friday after closing for a month for renovations and a move to the back of the building.Owner Ed Wright said there is more space now for displays and for children to play.We thought it was better to do it all at the same time," he said. "(The move) was a heck of a challenge.The business had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at 140 W. Washington St.The toy store has been in the building since 1999. In 2013, Wright purchased it from the previous owner.He said he loves the store, but stressed how important it is for people to shop locally instead of "pushing a button on their computer."He said he's experiencing a lot of customers coming into the store, looking around and then going home and purchasing their toys online."We have the real toys — ones that people want to buy. We've refocused the toy score. Now, we a lot of brain-stimulating toys — games, puzzles."The Fashion Boutique now takes up the entire front of the store, about 3,500 square feet.Wright owns four businesses in the building, including Miss Molly's Tea Room and the accompanying gift shop. He said he employs about 40 people in the four businesses."This is our 21st year for Miss Molly's," he said."People come from all over to (the restaurant)."He said the Fashion Boutique features lines of clothing not in the big box stores and malls."It's growing more and more," Wright said.Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.