Elected officials from the Town of Wiscasset officially welcomed another new business to the Wiscasset community February 16. Papa Geppetto’s Toys and Treasures, owned by Julie and Geoff Groleau, relocated their store from Bath to 49 Water St in downtown Wiscasset this month. “Wiscasset has made us feel very welcome,” said Julie Groleau, “and while we also live in the community, we’ll enjoy being a part of downtown as well.”

Papa Geppetto’s has been in business since October of 2008 in Bath. When Julie and Geoff first moved to Maine they tried to figure out something they could do together. Both having a background working with children, they decided to take their interests and blend it with Geoff’s retail experience. 

Papa Geppetto’s was born as a dollhouse and wooden toy business selling their product at craft fairs. Feeling that one wants to buy an empty house, the business expanded to selling furniture and doll families, too. Julie and Geoff into opened a store in Bath as the popularity of their business grew.  

The name Papa Geppetto’s is a tribute to Julie’s father, who loved woodworking as a hobby and always hoped to start a toy business when he retired. He was going to call it Papa Geppetto’s. Unfortunately, he passed away from mesothelioma just a few months after taking an early retirement.  Julie remarked that she knows her father would love the store and the fact that they named it after him.

Located at 49 Water St in downtown Wiscasset, the new Papa Gepetto's location provides a larger space and new opportunities. The new location will carry some tourist souvenirs for summer shoppers. The shop will continue to carry Playmobil, Melissa & Doug, Calico Critters, Gotz Dolls, American Girl Doll Clothes, dollhouse furniture and accessories, kites, plush, Safari Tubes and figures, Folkmanis puppets, Dover books, baby items, puzzles, games (like Ticket to Ride, Catan, and Flux), models and supplies, science kits and arts and crafts. With the additional space of the new location, they plan to carry erector sets, Brio trains, kimmidolls, Plasma Cars,  and Wedgits. Additionally, they will have  books for babies to young adults, including graphic novels. Good thing they have a lot of room!

The Papa Geppetto’s Toys and Treasures is open Monday – Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 10-4pm. For more information or questions, the store can be reached at 882-4700 or stop in the store at 49 Water St. in downtown Wiscasset. And be sure to like them on Facebook!