Since first Scouting urbAna and sharing their story in our Volume 1 Member Spotlight, we’ve anticipated exciting things from owners Ana and Brian Wells. Their sophisticated yet accessible boutique features a fabulously-curated selection of home goods, gifts, and furnishings. A visit to urbAna leaves you inspired and well prepared for all of life’s special occasions. Ana and Brian’s newest venture, Arcadia Toys, follows in a similar fashion. Located adjacent to the Phoenix location, Arcadia Toys brings the quintessential fun of a classic toy store to local families. 

Photos by Carrie Evans Photography

In addition to expanding into the East Valley with a third urbAna later this year, the warmly received Arcadia Toys paves the way for further extensions of their offerings. To get the full scoop, we caught up with Ana and Brian and learned how staying true to core principles guides this busy duo when opportunity is presented.

Arcadia Toys is quickly becoming a neighborhood staple for parents and children alike, especially as summer break sets in. Following urbAna’s mission to bring curated items to the market, the store inspires awe in little ones and offers parents the opportunity to find traditional birthday gifts and unique items. “We call ourselves a celebrations shop, no matter the occasion we have you covered.”Ana shares. With Arcadia Toys Birthday Club, littles can create a birthday registry list while parents stock up on one-of-a-kind party decor. 

 

“The focus will always be on specialty,”

 

Ana and Brian’s expansion is not just limited to delights for children. Their offerings at urbAna have grown to include design-inclined favorites like Four Hands Furniture, Hudson Valley Lighting, Chilewich rugs, and – perhaps most popular – Farrow & Ball paint. And while urbAna’s offerings are incredibly vast, Ana assures us the philosophy informing their curation process is simple. “Regardless of trends, we buy items that speak to us.” 

Ana and Brian’s uncanny knack for sourcing items and exceptional ability to speak to a range of shoppers, occasions, and aesthetics has grown the clientele of this local favorite far beyond Scottsdale and Phoenix. Naturally, this positioned them well for thoughtful growth.

Driving urbAna’s expansion to the East Valley was the opportunity to open a third location in Epicenter at Agritopia. The eagerly anticipated mixed-use center being developed by Gilbert’s own Johnston & Co spoke to Ana and Brian’s commitment to being connected to the community they serve in a meaningful way.

“Joe Johnston has been instrumental in the success of Gilbert,” says Ana. “He and his family have a vision for a community with heart, which aligns with urbAna’s ethos of giving the community a safe space. When Joe approached us with his plans, we hit it off right away and knew we had to be a part of his vision.” 

We’re eagerly awaiting the opening of urbAna’s East Valley location this fall. But, in the meantime, you’ll find us stopping into the Scottsdale store to shop for a complimentary consultation with their in-store designer. And on Wednesdays, we’ll be bringing our little ones along to the Arcadia location to let them enjoy the summer programming at Arcadia Toys, which will feature storytime, craft events, and curated playdates, and keep kiddos entertained while we shop!

To keep up with the latest updates, offerings, and events, make sure to follow along with urbAna on Instagram (@urbanaphoenix and @arcadiatoyshop). And when you stop in, don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!