The toy store Tiddlywinks has opened its doors again after a short but arduous relocation in Old Towne Orange.
The 12-year-old store in the city’s historic downtown moved seven storefronts north after a planned rent hike prompted the exit from 129 N. Glassell.
Tiddlywinks owners Jeanie and Gil Viveros scrambled late last year to wrap up holiday sales while simultaneously recreating the new store in the former home of Woody’s Antiques. The antiques store was gutted to the studs and rebuilt in just three months.
Jeanie Viveros said they signed the lease for Woody’s space in July last summer, but work didn’t begin until December 2024. After weeks of packing and rolling merchandise from one store to another, the new Tiddlywinks quietly opened March 21.
“It was crazy,” Viveros said with a relieved laugh on Friday.
Tiddlywinks, named after the game created in 1888, is known for selling a wide array of classic toys and games. Jeanie Viveros said it felt appropriate to open a toy store that matched the historic tone of Old Towne. She added a baby gift section to the store in recent years, featuring apparel, accessories and toys appropriate for infants and toddlers.
Moving came with a silver lining for the Viveros. Because they gutted Woody’s, the open space could be reimagined to suit their 2024 needs. While the new store has all the toys from its original shop, it’s also got a book room at the rear and a separate space that eventually will host events and birthday parties.
Viveros likened her store to having a child. “You set about having the child and hope you get it on the right path,” she said.
A ribbon cutting will be held April 11 with a re-grand opening celebration taking place Saturday, April 14.
And stay tuned, shoppers: Stitch and Feather, a boho women’s apparel store, is coming to Tiddlywinks’ former home. The company created by Candi Anderson has stores in Seal Beach, Huntington Beach (Pacific City), downtown Fullerton, the La Floresa shopping center in Brea and in downtown Laguna Beach.
New address: 169 N. Glassell St., Orange; 714-997-8697
Golf outfitter PXG opens flagship store in Surf City
PXG, a mobile golf outfitter that features custom equipment fittings for customers, has opened its first flagship storefront in Huntington Beach.
The 3,852-square-foot PXG Orange County will offer golf club fitting and apparel.
“The Los Angeles area is one of the top golf markets in the country. This, combined with fantastic year-round weather, makes it a great spot for a PXG store,” said PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons.
PXG OC includes two golf club fitting bays, a putter-fitting studio, and a 112-square-foot practice putting green. Shoppers will also find an array of golf accessories, bags, balls and hats.
The company name stands for Parsons Xtreme Golf, named after founder Parsons, who also created GoDaddy. The company is based in Scottsdale.
Address: Ocean Plaza shopping center, 17041 Beach Blvd. Suite103. Find them online at pxg.com.
Hiring fair ahead for state tax auditors
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is looking for new tax auditors.
The agency, which is looking for applicants who have a degree in business, finance or accounting, will host a two-day job fair in Irvine on March 27-28.
CDTFA is filling openings in Cerritos, Culver City, Diamond Bar, El Centro, Glendale, Irvine, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, San Diego, and Ventura.
At the event, candidates can expect interviews on-site and exams.
Time: 9-4 p.m March 27 (pre-scheduled interviews are taking place March 28)
Location: 16715 Von Karman Ave. Register here: cdtfa.ca.gov/jobs/
On the move
Joe Mosca, previously the interim chief executive at Orange County Power Authority, is officially the organization’s CEO. He served as interim since June 1, 2023, and previously was director of communications and external affairs for the organization. Previously, Mosca was a founding member and the former chairman of the San Diego Community Power board of directors.
Shannon King Ginter is the new senior director of development at Meals on Wheels Orange County. She has 16 years of nonprofit experience. Ginter most recently worked as the director of philanthropy for Providence St. Joseph Hospital.
Kristle Duran, chief executive officer Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, right, presents the Women of Greatness Award to Yvonne Herrell, a board member and supporter of 28 years. (Photo courtesy of BGC of Central OC)
Fundraisers
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast raised $80,000 at its seventh annual Women of Greatness Brunch & Bubbly, which honored women helping Orange County youth and their families. This year, the Woman of Greatness award went to Yvonne Herrell, a BGC Central OC supporter for 28 years.
Nearly 250 participants, some wearing costumes, raised $15,000 at the first Dynamic Duo 5k Walk/Run produced by Radiant Futures, formerly Women’s Transitional Living Center. The 5K Run/Walk was held Jan. 27 in the Fountain Valley Sports Park and Mile Square Regional Park. The title sponsor was Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Buena Park. The money will go toward services that provide crisis support and education to prevent domestic violence and trafficking.
Grants & gifts
Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine received $40,800 from Frank’s Irvine Subaru, part of the automaker’s Share the Love Event. The children’s museum offers interactive exhibits where kids can explore real-world roles. For more information, visit www.pretendcity.org
Wilson Automotive in Orange reached a new achievement on March 16 when the dealership group founded by Dave Wilson, center, sold its 1.5 millionth vehicle. (Photo courtesy of California New Car Dealers Association)
Milestones
Wilson Automotive in Orange reached a new achievement on March 16 when the dealership group founded by Dave Wilson sold its 1.5 millionth vehicle. Just seven years ago, Wilson Automotive celebrated its millionth vehicle sale on March 11, 2017. Founded in 1985, the company employs at least 2,100 and generates annual revenues of $3 billion.
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
