Schaumburg, IL (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Over 100 years ago, Antonio Pasin came to Chicago with a dream.
“My grandpa started Radio Flyer 106 years ago. He was a craftsman who came from Italy,” said Robert Pasin, Chief Wagon Officer at the Chicago-based Radio Flyer and grandson of the toy company’s founder.
The Italian craftsman opened Radio Flyer with a vision to bring joy to families. Now, his grandson is expanding the family business to a new retail store in Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall. The first store in the company’s history opens Friday, Nov. 10.
“We’re just thrilled to be able to bring people into our store,” said Pasin. “It’s going to be amazing.”
Pasin said he thinks his grandfather would be excited to see the new innovations the company has made since 1917 — including electric bikes, e-scooters and a new partnership with Tesla.
“He would be so happy to see what the team here has created and where we’ve come from,” said Pasin.
The Radio Flyer store is equipped with a miniature racetrack where customers can test ride their products. New in-store exclusive items include customizable gift wagons, go-karts and more.
“When people see Radio Flyer, they want to come into the store, they want to see the classics they grew up with, but they also want to see what we’re doing that’s new,” said Pasin.
The iconic red wagons greet you as you walk inside the store. But just around the corner is a hall of electric bikes and scooters. Pasin hopes customers will soon replace car trips with bike rides.
The first 106 customers who visit the store will receive exclusive deals in honor of the company’s 106-year history.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram