This browser does not support the Video element.
SEATTLE - Magic Mouse Toys has permanently closed its doors in Seattle’s Pioneer Square.
Paper now covers the windows of the storefront at 603 1st Ave., where a sign posted on the front door confirms the sudden shutdown.
Keep reading to learn more about the abrupt closure, and what it means for the neighborhood.
Nearly 50 years in Pioneer Square
What we know:
According to a Vanishing Seattle Facebook post, the store first opened in 1977 by Pamela and Walter Powers.
The store operated out of a two-story, 6,000-square-foot space inside the historic Mutual Life Building and was well known for its vast selection of items, which included classic toys, imported items, puzzles, board games, stuffed animals and collectibles for all ages.
A Pioneer Square institution
Magic Mouse Toys was billed as the oldest operating toy store in Washington, serving its customers out of the same Pioneer Square location for 49 years.
Over its nearly five decades in operation, the store became a fixture for generations of local residents and tourists visiting the neighborhood.
Surprise closure
What we don't know:
The store's management did not provide a specific reason for the abrupt shutdown, leaving long-time customers and neighborhood residents surprised.
"Magic Mouse Toys has closed for business permanently," the notice on the door read. "Magic Mouse appreciates and thanks its customers for shopping at Magic Mouse for the past 40+ years. Thanks!"
Community mourns the loss
Local perspective:
News of the closure quickly spread across social media platforms, including Reddit and Facebook, where community preservation group Vanishing Seattle shared the news.
Longtime patrons have expressed grief over losing another historic neighborhood business, fondly recalling the store's rotating window displays and its decades of local history.
The Source: Information for this story came from Vanishing Seattle, Reddit and original reporting from FOX 13 Seattle.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Hayden Panettiere death: New details released in police report
Seattle Mariners suffer franchise-record defeat in 22-0 loss to Brewers
Ex-police leader questions five-hour delay in Bite of Seattle shooting response
Washington State Fair braces for massive 19-show fair lineup
Seattle Mariners to celebrate Rick Rizzs Farewell Weekend
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.