SL_Crazy Aarons 525 - edit_Layout 1 6 / 11 / 25 12 : 57 PM Page 1 Where Imagination ComesAlive an experience they enjoy together and have A recent renovation transforms The Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s in photo moments together , ” he says . “ We used to have a mini mixing table [ at the store Norristown into an interactive “ laboratory ” where visitors of all prior to the renovations ] , but now we offer this special experience that will make people ages can play , create , and make lasting memories . say , ‘ This is something I’ll always remember . ’ “ We do get a lot of people who come by BILL DONAHUE | photos by ALISON DUNLAP from the surrounding area , ” he continues , “ but there are others from out of town who easy to compare The Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s with Willy Wonka’s fictional come here for a wedding , a family event , or chocolate factory ; after all , each abounds with off - the - wall creations , are just visiting Philly , and they see us as interactive experiences , and a spectrum of colors , scents , and sensations something they can only do in Philly . We’re It’sdesigned to spark creativity . Whereas Wonka’s magical world sprang from the going to make sure they’re making good use mind of author Roald Dahl , The Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s stems from the imagination of a man of their time . ” named Aaron Muderick . Located on the bottom floor of an historic knitting mill along Norristown’s Main Street , The Full of Surprises Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s serves as the flagship store of Crazy Aaron’s , an interactive toy brand The toys on display at The Shop @ Crazy founded by Muderick in 1998 . The shop sells an assortment of whimsical wares that inspire Aaron’s are marketed primarily to children curiosity and delight customers of all ages : Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty , a series of inventive and adolescents . Interestingly , the company’s silicone - based putties featuring sparkles , scents , and fantastical properties such as magnetism roots grew out of a product that served the and phosphorescence ; Land of Dough , a reinvention of a core part of classic play , starring a needs of a much different audience . unique color palette , invigorating scents , and a smooth - as - silk feel ; and SlimeCharmers , a high - Muderick , a Havertown native , grew up quality slime product — “ not too goopy or sticky , ” Muderick insists — each infused with thematic fascinated by technology and understanding charms . how things work . He studied computer The Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s recently completed a significant expansion and will host a science in college , then spent some time grand - opening celebration the third week of June . Much more than a place to “ buy stuff , ” The working in Silicon Valley , and later returned Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s provides visitors with opportunities to engage in interactive play , stoke to the Philadelphia to put his education and their imaginations , and make memories with friends and family members . experience to use helping companies “ connect Some of the store’s exhibits were influenced by Crazy Aaron’s Mix Mart at FAO Schwarz’s the dots ” through technology . Although the iconic toy store in New York City’s Rockefeller Center . The flagship store has its very own Mix work was unexciting , the humdrum nature Mart , where guests can make their own SlimeCharmers or Thinking Putty , a loveseat made of the workdays helped him dream up the entirely of putty , a “ Guess the Scent ” wall , and a four - foot - tall glass tower where guests can see building blocks for the toy empire he would tins of Thinking Putty in motion , floating in a column of Crazy Aaron’s transparent putty soon build . creation , Liquid Glass . To help the time pass , Muderick had “ What we’re talking about is intergenerational kid time , where people of all ages can have accumulated all manner of toys in his office , SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM VOLUME 16 ISSUE 7 60 |