About The Haymarket
About Us
Founded in 1976, The Haymarket is located in Ship Bottom on magical Long Beach Island, New Jersey. For over 40 years, this fun-filled store has specialized in a wide range of unique and high quality hobbies, toys, crafts, games and puzzles to local residents and visitors from all over the world. Owners Susan and John Hay both attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Susan earned a degree in Human Behavior & Development and John in Electrical Engineering. As a kid, John spent every summer in Brant Beach. (Susan visited LBI for a weekend in 1972 and never left!). In 1994, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter Ali, who practically grew up in their toy store.
The original inventory consisted of the entire stock of The Tagg-Along Shop, operated by Ella and Bill Tagg during the 50’s and 60’s (located at 28th Street in Ship Bottom, where the Farias’ Children’s Boutique is now). Their beloved store holds many special memories for many Long Beach Islanders.
In 1978, Susan and John purchased the store where it currently stands. Built in the 1920’s, it was originally an ice cream parlor. Because of their growing inventory and need for more space, it was rebuilt into the Wonderland it is today.
Susan & John Hay
Founders | Owners
What
Sets Us Apart
If you’re one of the generations of devoted Haymarket shoppers (and a kid at heart, no matter what your age): Thank you for the fun and loyal support over the past 42 years! More than just a toy store, our play-based business provides fun, sophisticated novelties for both children and adults alike.
If you’re a visitor to Long Beach Island, stop in to see what sets The Haymarket apart from others and why the store has received the People’s Choice Award for the Best Hobby & Toy Store for 16 years in a row. Our wonderful managers and knowledgeable staff are here to serve you. Gift-wrapping is free! There’s always something new and fun – for kids of all ages!
