Mitchell's is now closed.The Mitchell family would like to thank our customers over the past 55 years.

Fortunately, two of the long-time employees of the store have opened their own retail stores.

Joe Mitchell Jr , who managed the award-winning toy department at Mitchell’s, has opened YoYoJoe’s Toys & Fun in the Concord Gallery (about a mile north of the Mitchell's store) - between Pier One Imports and Staples. The store sells many of the toy lines that Mitchell’s carried as well as a large selection of new toys that are unavailable currently in the Wilmington area. YoYoJoe’s will also offer many store events throughout the year. You can reach YoYo Joe's at (302) 478-8386.

Doug Arnold, who for 30 years managed the internationally renowned model railroading has opened his own hobby store - Trains, Toys & Hobbies - on Concord Pike (about a half mile north of the old Mitchell's) - next to Rita's Water Ice. You can contact Doug's Store by e-mail or by phone at (302) 478-7733.

 

Family owned and operated during it’s entire 55 years in business, Mitchell’s opened in July 3 of 1953, after John and Hanna Mitchell purchased Bennet’s 5¢ and 10¢ store in the Fairfax Shopping Center. Their new store, wedged in front of the Fairfax Bowling Alley, was more of a lane than a store. Mitchell’s operated in this small facility for two years before moving over to the site of the existing Walgreens in the Fairfax Shopping Center for the next 42 years. In 1997, Mitchell’s moved from the South portion of the Shopping Center to the North portion, downsizing from 15,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet and concentrating on it’s strengths – trains, toys and hobbies

The current owners, John & Hannah’s children, are Joe & Jack Mitchell and their sister Joan Hicks. All three of the owners were a part of the store from it’s beginnings until the end. All of the owners of the company have decided to retire and exit the retail business completely.

The Mitchell Family is quite proud that John and Hanna Mitchell’s dream lasted fifty five years. Through the years four generations and 23 members of the Mitchell family have worked at Mitchell’s. All four of John and Hannah’s children – Jack, Joan (Hicks), Joe and Judy (Bonisawski) Mitchell worked there. Nine of John and Hannah’s grandchildren worked there as well as five of their great grandchildren.

Most of Mitchell’s employees have been a part of the store for 20 years and longer. Bonnie Kincaid’s first day was August 23, 1960 – she finished her 48th year of employment at Mitchell’s. Manager Doug Arnold’s first day was August 22nd, 1973. Sales clerk Alice Lewis started at Mitchell’s on August 31st, 1977.