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End Of An Era For Beloved Toy Store In Chestnut Hill

By Paul Kurtz

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- These are the final days of a landmark toy store in the Chestnut Hill section of the city. O'Doodles will close its doors at the end of the month.

Inventory has shrunk considerably since word got out that O'Doodles was closing after 17 years in business.

Owner Fran O'Donnell says the toy store that offered what he calls "unplugged fun" is a victim of the times.

"We're doing everything from our smartphones now," he said. "(When) you can get free shipping, people are going to buy it online and have it delivered to the door."

Customers were still coming in, searching for bargains and taking one last look.

"There are nostalgic toys here, like the roller scooters, the wooden toys, Lincoln Logs," said patron Kitsie O'Neil, visiting O'Doodles with her son, Jasper. "It's very sad to see it go."

O'Donnell says he's transitioning from doll houses to real houses: he's now a full-time real estate agent.

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