Fun Things Etc, downtown Waynesville’s specialty toy store, announced Wednesday that it will be closing its doors this fall.

Owner Denise Teague says the decision to close is the result of much careful thought and planning, as there were many factors to consider—the most important being the needs of Teague’s family.

“As my husband’s business [JM Teague Engineering] continues to expand and our children grow and become more involved in community activities . . . I am forced to choose between our family and hands-on management at Fun Things Etc,” Teague says, noting that she has relied more heavily on part-time staff recently to keep the store open during business hours, while she performed administrative duties after-hours, often late into the night.

“I slept little but saw our children less,” Teague says of the long work weeks that have become the norm for her.

Although closing the business she has run for six years is a bittersweet experience for Teague, she sees the process as leading to new opportunities.

“One of the most important things I have learned through my experience over the last several years is that I am not Fun Things Etc, and Fun Things Etc is not me,” Teague says.

As the store prepares to close, items will begin to go on clearance, with part of the store’s inventory currently marked 25% off in the first wave of discounts.

“The most popular items usually go first in situations like this, so if you’re holding out for a particular item, it might not be here the next day,” Teague advises.

Customers with gift cards are encouraged to redeem them soon.  Fun Things Etc’s e-mail address, funthingsetc@bellsouth.net, and website, www.funthingsetc.net, will remain active for an extended period once the store closes.

Meanwhile, the rest of the store’s operations will proceed as normal.  The Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders will set up their popular display of electric Lionel model trains in the store’s Event Space one last time this weekend, from 5-9 PM Friday, 10 AM-10 PM Saturday, and 1-5 PM Sunday, free to the public.  Fun Things Etc will also hand out free balloons during Kids on Main and the Block Party on Saturday evening, beginning at 6 PM.

Among the whirlwind of emotions that accompany such a big decision, the main focus for Teague has been gratitude—for the increased time with her family, and for the community that has supported Fun Things Etc since it opened in 2006.

“I know that I will continue to need your support as I move forward, but in different ways,” says Teague.  “Thank you for the continued prayers and support as I transition to the next chapter in my life.”