Eugene Toy and Hobby

Eugene Toy & Hobby's history can be traced back through 5 generations of the Agerter family starting in 1933. Great-grandfather Perry had retired to Eugene in the late 1920s and taken over ownership of a simple gift shop and magazine stand. However, he soon discovered that his "retirement project" was more work than he had bargained for. Recognizing an opportunity for the next generation, Perry sold the business to his son Byron, who moved to Eugene in 1933 with his wife Eva and young son Paul to take over operations.

Byron and Eva immediately began expanding their inventory, adding the toys, model trains, and airplanes that would eventually become the heart of their business. The store's growing success necessitated four relocations over the years, with the most recent move in 1969 bringing them to their current home at 32 East 11th Ave. By 1981, Paul had joined his parents as a full partner alongside his own sons, Mark and Alan. When Byron and Eva officially retired that same year, three generations were actively running the family business together.

The 1980s brought significant changes as the store continued to evolve. The building was remodeled and expanded in 1988, allowing for substantial additions to their inventory and specialty products. As part of this modernization, they phased out pocket novels and used magazines by 1988, focusing entirely on their core toy and hobby offerings. Paul retired in 1991, leaving Mark and Alan to carry on the family tradition.

The most recent chapter began in 2020 when Mark retired, followed by Alan's retirement in 2024. Rather than continue the family ownership, Alan and his son Andrew made the thoughtful decision to entrust the store to new owners who share their commitment to exceptional customer service and community connection. Eugene Toy & Hobby will remain exactly what it has always been—a welcoming family shop where everyone belongs.