Lizards & Lollipopz: Toy Store, Party Room on Marietta Square

owners Stacy Smith and John Rossiter opened the store over two years ago. of , an eclectic gift boutique that has been on Marietta Square for nine years.

Patch: Why did you decide to open on the Square?

Smith: Our kids section was getting larger and larger at doodlebugz. I didn't want to expand it any further because after all we are a gift store not a kids store at doodlebugz. So I decided to open up a dedicated-store to focus on kids.

Patch: How did you come up with the name?  

Smith: My niece actually came up with the name. We were obsessed with names for about three weeks. We finally asked our nieces to send some suggestions. We liked Lizards & Lollipopz. It needed to appeal to boys and girls. I think it does both.

"We were obsessed with names for about three weeks. We finally asked our nieces to send some suggestions. We liked Lizards & Lollipopz. It needed to appeal to boys and girls. I think it does both."

Patch: How, if at all, has the business changed since you opened it?

Smith: We started out as only toys, including retro and wooden toys. This fall we are going to bring in a huge selection of clothing. We are seeing it changing from just toys to a complete kids boutique.

"We are seeing it changing from just toys to a complete kids boutique."

Patch: Have you seen a change in traffic recently?

Smith: Some stores have said the economy has made business difficult. Sales at each store remain strong, and we are very pleased to be in a good locations.

Patch Do you have a favorite item in the store right now? 

Smith: My favorite item in Lizards right now are the super hero bobble heads, but in the fall the clothing is going to be fabulous.

Patch: In addition to being a business in Marietta, are you involved in Marietta in any other way?

Smith: I participate in the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta.

Patch: What is the hardest part of being a Marietta Square business?  

Smith: The hardest part is not being in a mall setting with ample parking. We try to encourage people to park in the parking decks. They only cost $3 for the entire day, and they don't have to worry about running to move their car or rush their lunch.

Patch: What is the best part of being a business on the Square?  

Smith: I love the constant change of people. We get a lot of tourists so we are constantly meeting new people and hearing their stories.

Patch: Is there anything else that you want readers to know about you and your shop?  

Smith: Lizards & Lollipopz has a full party room; we do birthday parties and artist/crafting classes and rent it out for private parties.

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