If you were a 1990s kid, the name of this toy and novelty shop in the Midtown District of Reno will make you smile. Its namesake purple cat, whose hypnotic eyes peer over the front entrance, will also make today’s children smile.
Happy Happy Joy Joy, located near its sister shop, Junkee Clothing Exchange, is packed full of toys and collectibles for people of all ages, including novelty gifts, hilarious greeting cards, classic and new board games and pop culture memorabilia.
Happy Happy Joy Joy's famous purple tabby — Photo courtesy of Christina Nellemann
Happy Happy Joy Joy sells anime, street art and comic books, children’s books, lava lamps, stuffed animals and novelty shot glasses. Its shelves are populated by Star Wars figurines as well as by action figures of surprising everyday personae such as librarians, crazy cat ladies and Jesus Christ.
Happy Happy Joy Joy has an ever-changing selection of toys and novelty items — Photo courtesy of Happy Happy Joy Joy
The store’s owner, Heather Lee Jones, is a Reno native who has spent enough time in the creative towns of Hollywood and Austin to get inspired, and her store reflects a colorful spirit. Jones also designs custom furniture for Junkee Clothing Exchange, and her yen to innovate shows in her near-constant rearrangement of her own store.
The decor of Happy Happy Joy Joy currently features a Godzilla-like monster made of Vans shoes (aptly named Shoezilla) and a wall of unicorns and white, fluffy clouds. In the middle of the shop are cushy chairs where customers can lounge and test out the toys.
Happy Happy Joy Joy has special displays for the holidays — Photo courtesy of Happy Happy Joy Joy
In addition to being a store, Happy Happy Joy Joy has become a gathering space for Reno's creative community. Along with featuring changing displays by local artists, the store also hosts events.
The famous Reno Crawls including the Midtown Art Walk, the Zombie and Superhero Crawl and the holiday Santa Crawl often begin or end at the store. The Midtown Black Friday bus also stops at the shop.
The store is located in the hip Midtown area of Reno — Photo courtesy of Happy Happy Joy Joy
Happy Happy Joy Joy is located in the middle of Reno's cute and funky Midtown, which is full of bars, cafes and shops. It's on Martin Street just across from Craft Wine & Beer and just north of Chapel Tavern, making it convenient to satisfy your adult tastes after you've indulged your inner child.
