Professor Toy stores has its origins with owner, Rob Fox, a serial entrepreneur who started in the party supplies business in the late 1980’s. After several of his successful PartyWorks stores were bought out by Party City, he took his expertise in running a retail environment and turned to toys. 

Professor Toy was always meant to offer not only playthings, but toys and games that help kids think and learn. 

The first Professor Toy store opened in Visalia, CA in 1994, and included Fox’s SchoolWorks teacher supplies as well as a huge selection of big and small branded toys. Word spread about the “specialty” toy store that had great customer service and free gift wrapping. Customers came from all around looking for toys that were difficult to find at traditional retailers and that had excellent educational appeal.

The online shop and the store in Fresno followed in the next few years. Visalia closed to Professor Toy retail in 2019, but it remains the main office. The Fresno location remains a key location for locals who look forward to the well-known toy brands, such as LEGOⓇ, Melissa and DougⓇ, Hape, HABA, Thomas & Friends to name a few, as well as many other smaller brands sold through only specialty toy stores.

While Professor Toy no longer carries a selection of classroom supplies, it continues its tradition of being the “go-to” place for at-home and in-school educators and parents to find new and classic toys and games that delight and teach all ages.