Bed Stuy Toy Store Pipsqueak Expands to Clinton Hill, Adds Cuts for Kids

Bed Stuy toy store Pipsqueak has debuted a second location on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill.

Pipsqueak Shoppe and Salon, which opened at 469 Myrtle Avenue in August, offers haircuts for kids in miniature toy cars — a hard-to-find convenience for parents who may not want to travel to Williamsburg or Park Slope.

“We felt if there ever was a time to open it, it was now,” said Pipsqueak partner and Bed Stuy native Jon Vasquez, who is a veteran of the toy industry, including Mary Arnold’s in Manhattan and Lulu’s Toys in Park Slope.

Pipsqueak owner Alejandro Escalante, a native of Venezuela, learned the toy business from his father and opened the first Pipsqueak store on Bedford Avenue five years ago.

“Myrtle Avenue is home to me,” continued Vasquez. “I grew up here. So in searching for a location I felt strongly about it being on Myrtle. Alejandro scouted other locations but they didn’t feel right. There has always been a large number of families in the neighborhood, and with the new changes that number is only increasing. Yet there hasn’t been anything directly for kids.”

The new store has a wide selection of toys, books and body products for babies and children. It also hosts events, musical performances and readings.

Toys and books cover a wide range of prices, starting at $5. Books celebrate diversity and overcoming obstacles, such as Tough Guys Have Feelings Too and coloring books Color Me Kanye and The Prince Coloring Book.

“Our goal is to work with and to cater to our community,” said Vazquez. “That includes everyone — it doesn’t matter if you live in the projects or a condo. We work to create a magical experience for all the kids and the kids at heart.”

[Photos via Myrtle Avenue Partnership]

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