A Little Magic Returns: Three Notch Toys Opens Its Doors In St. Mary’s County

MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — For Elizabeth Wheeler, opening a toy store was never part of the original plan. What began as a way to support an online business quickly transformed into something much bigger — a dream years in the making and an opportunity to bring a little childhood magic back to St. Mary’s County.

Three Notch Toys, a new locally owned toy store opening Saturday, June 27, will welcome families through its doors for the first time at 10 a.m at 38592 Brett Way, Unit B, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. The shop offers a carefully curated collection of toys, collectibles, trading cards, educational items and specialty products designed to inspire creativity and imagination for children of all ages.

“We realized we weren’t just building a little toy store,” Wheeler said. “We were creating a place where families could slow down, kids could discover new adventures, and everyone could find that special piece of magic.”

From Online Sales To A Storefront Dream

Wheeler and her husband, Dustin, have operated an online retail business since 2023, selling products through various e-commerce platforms. The idea for a physical location emerged after attending the Toy Fair in New York City earlier this year.

Many toy manufacturers and distributors require retailers to have a brick-and-mortar storefront, prompting the couple to consider converting part of their existing business space into a small retail area.

But as construction progressed, the vision evolved.

“The more we were building it out, the more I thought, ‘Why don’t we just do a toy store?'” Wheeler said.

As a mother of two, Wheeler saw an opportunity to create something she felt was missing in the community.

“There isn’t really a dedicated toy store in our county,” she said. “Growing up in the ’90s, we had toy stores. We had Toys R Us. We had the Disney Store. I wanted my own children to have that experience of walking into a toy store and not knowing where to look first because there’s so much cool stuff.”

More Than Just Toys

Unlike large retailers, Three Notch Toys focuses on a mix of familiar favorites and hard-to-find specialty products sourced from smaller brands and independent manufacturers.

Shoppers will find collectible trading cards, educational toys, unique gifts and products that aren’t commonly available at big-box stores.

Wheeler said her own children often help guide purchasing decisions, giving her insight into what local families are looking for.

“We carry things you aren’t going to find everywhere,” she said. “Some are smaller brands, some are collectibles, and some are just really fun items that caught our attention.”

The store’s inventory spans a wide age range, from educational toys for young children to collectibles and hobby products aimed at older kids and enthusiasts.

Popular items already generating interest include Pokémon trading cards, collectibles and specialty products that are often difficult to find locally.

A Family Legacy Of Community

For Wheeler, Three Notch Toys represents more than a business venture.

She credits much of her inspiration to her family’s deep roots in St. Mary’s County and the entrepreneurial example set by her grandfather, Rodney Thompson, and father, Richard Menard, who operated Homestead Auction Company for nearly three decades.

“They taught me that the heart of a local business isn’t found on the shelves or in the items you sell,” Wheeler said. “It lives in the laughter shared, the lifelong memories made and the connections you create with people.”

That philosophy is woven throughout the store’s mission.

Rather than simply selling products, Wheeler hopes Three Notch Toys becomes a place where children can explore, imagine and experience the excitement of discovery.

“Our goal is to inspire imagination, foster creativity and give kids a safe, fun place to just be kids,” she said.

Grand Opening Details

Three Notch Toys will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m.

Wheeler and her daughter have prepared approximately 100 gift bags that may be distributed to visitors during the event, while supplies last.

Although she’s excited to welcome customers, Wheeler admits she’s also a little nervous about the response.

“We don’t really know what to expect,” she said with a laugh. “But we’re excited to meet everyone.”

For local families eager to rediscover the joy of a neighborhood toy store, Three Notch Toys may be exactly the kind of magic they’ve been waiting for.

Grand Opening

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