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Earlier this week, the doors of iconic toy retailer FAO Schwarz officially opened at Arnotts – making the historic Dublin department store only one out of two unique locations in Europe for the world famous toy store following the opening of FAO Schwarz at Selfridges London earlier this month. Founded in 1862, FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest, most historic, and iconic toy brands in the world. The new location at Arnotts will offer customers and visitors a taste of the same magic and wonderment as the plethora of tourists who visit the New York flagship every day, and dare we say, you are going to struggle to get your children to ever want to leave Arnotts after a visit here. "Arnotts is home to the world’s most prestigious, exciting and innovative brands," says Donald McDonald, Managing Director at Brown Thomas and Arnotts. "We are a family focused destination always looking to deliver unique experiences to delight our customers. The opening of FAO Schwarz will deliver theatre, wonderment and magic to our customers and we are excited to become part of the many memories that will surely be made inside our walls.” FAO Schwarz at Arnotts will bring the trademark plush stuffed animals, captivating instore performances and infamous walk-on piano (yes, the one from the 1988 Tom Hanks movie “Big”) to life right here in Dublin, and the best bit? Visitors can record their performance and send it directly to their Instagram accounts. Yes, really. Children will also have the chance to design their own remote-control cars, choosing each part and detail themselves at the Build Your Own Race Car station, and bring home a new baby doll from the bespoke Bay Doll Adoption Centre, complete with an adoption certificate for their new best friend. Adding to the magic will be the introduction of the ‘FAO Schweetz’ shop, a feast for the eyes as well as the sweet tooth, with giant gummy bears, FAO branded sweets, jelly toy soldiers along with souvenir chocolate keyboards and cold coins featuring the iconic clock face. Speaking about the opening at Arnotts, Jan-Eric Kloth, COO of the parent company of FAO Schwarz said: “Arnotts is an iconic retail brand that delivers amazing experiences and theatre to its customers therefore this was the perfect place for us to be. We are pleased to have such a creative and innovative team as our partners for the Arnotts store. FAO Schwarz at Arnotts promises to be an adventure larger-than-life that sparks the imagination in all of us."