News

Actions

Mom and Pop store becomes hotspot for eclipse glasses

Posted at 12:47 PM, Aug 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-19 18:36:57-04

The eclipse is now just two days away and on Saturday hundreds of people lined up outside of a local toy store to get their hands on the coveted safety glasses.

People started lining up at Brookside Toy & Science around 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

But the time the store opened at 10 a.m., the line had circled the block.

The owner of the store, Jim Ward, says he was shocked by the turnout.

With only a two days to go, lining up outside of a toy store is one of the few options left to get eclipse glasses.

“I procrastinated a little too much and every place I’ve gone to says ‘I just sold out’ so here I am hoping to get them,” said David Buller.

Getting your hands on safe ones has also been challenging.

“I found out my glasses I bought early on were counterfeits and I can’t disappoint my grandkids so I’m here,” said Robert Vollrath, who was the first in line Saturday morning.

Vollrath drove all the way in from Kingsville, Missouri for the glasses.

“I called quite a few places; the library, stores, gas stations, Walmart… and everybody was out,” said Leslie Wise, who was a bit further down the line.

But somehow, the owner of Brookside Toy & Science has been able to track down bulk orders of eclipse glasses with the correct ISO safety rating.

On Saturday, he received a shipment of 10,000 glasses.

“I’ve just been scouring the country trying to find glasses anywhere I can,” said Ward.

Jim and Mary Jo Ward have owned the shop for more than 50 years.

They say these glasses are one of the most sought-after products they have ever sold.

“We never anticipated anything like this, the demand has been crazy,” said Ward.

But it has also been incredible exposure for this little store.

“It’s so exciting to see this much business, especially for a small mom and pop store like us,” said Ward.

Ward says he may get another shipment before the eclipse, but he is not certain.

This story will be updated if the store receives another shipment of the glasses.