Aunt Jean's Toy Shop Closing at End of Month

When a toy store door closes, another door opens.

After a successful seven-year run, Jeanette Lauture has decided to close her beloved Montclair toy shop, Aunt Jean's Toys and Treats, and delve into a new venture as a marketing consultant. 

The decision to move on is "bittersweet" said Lauture, seated behind the register at Aunt Jean's with signs above her head reading 33% off toys, 55% off books and fixtures for sale. 

Lauture said she will use what she has learned from running both a brick and mortar and online business to help clients under the name Bitty Box Marketing.

She's rented an office at 50 Church St. and already has more than a half-dozen small business owners from around Essex County interested in working with her. 

Bitty Box Marketing will offer branding, event planning, social media strategies and more.

She said many small business owners still don't have Facebook pages or Twitter accounts, and she can help.

"It's a lot of work, but you have to do it to get recognition," she said.

The liquidation will continue at Aunt Jean's through the end of the month, but people will no doubt be calling the Montclair mom and entrepreneur "Aunt Jean" for years to come.