Windmill Educational Toys and Equipment to close Norwood branch unless someone buys it

It’s game over for a toy store that has served Adelaide’s east for 35 years — unless it finds a new buyer before Christmas.

Windmill Educational Toys and Equipment will close its doors at Christmas unless someone buys the business. Picture: Renato Castello

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A long-standing Adelaide toy shop is on the brink of closure after 35 years in business.

Windmill Educational Toys and Equipment at Norwood has announced with “much regret” it will close its doors at Christmas unless it can find a buyer.

A message on Norwood toy shop Windmill’s door announcing it will close at Christmas unless a buyer is found. Picture: Renato Castello

The company, which started in Melbourne in 1977, opened The Parade shop in 1984.

Windmill owners Annabel and Roger Richards are retiring but their daughter has taken over the Melbourne shop.

“It’s been a marvellous business for that length of time,” Mr Richards, 79, said of the Norwood outlet’s 35 years of trade.

“There’s an enormous opportunity there for somebody who has got some passion and who knows the industry.”

He said the sale deal would be on a “walk-in, walk-out” basis, including all stock.

The shop employs four staff, including manager Therese Kennedy, who has been working for Windmill since 2013.

She said the shop had loyal customers representing different generations of the same family.

If Windmill closes the only toy shop left on The Parade would be Kidstuff.

Windmill Educational Toys & Supplies store manager Therese Kennedy, with kids Mitchell, 1, and sister Matilda, 3, at the shop. Picture: AAP / Mike Burton

Bethany-Kate, 5, on a slippery slide with Winnie the Pooh at the Windmill toy shop in 1986.

Mr Richards objected in 2015 to the construction of a five-storey apartment block next to the Norwood shop arguing construction work would interrupt trade.

The apartment project was completed this year.

Nearby businesses coming, going, or selling

Last week: Fashion stalwart Karen Miller announced it would close its Burnside Village outlet, as well as others across Australia.

January 2019: $110m development for Norwood Mall

March 2019: Giftware shop Georges of Norwood to close

April 2019: Aldi announces supermarket at old Caroma site, 500 jobs

August 2018: The Seasonal Garden Cafe put up for sale

June 2018: Pedlars Antiques on Magill Rd to close

Changes coming to Norwood

Last week: 40km/h limit closer for the Parade

Last month: Decision coming on scramble crossing for The Parade

Last month: The end for right-hand turns on The Parade?