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Lost Toys and Comics has relocated to Patchogue, creating a full-circle moment for East Patchogue native and store owner Rob Maurus, who has been collecting vintage toys and memorabilia since childhood.
The shop, now located at 69 North Ocean Ave., sits directly across the street from where Batter Box once operated — the toy store Maurus frequented as a kid. Riding his bike there week after week, he developed a love for comics, baseball cards, and collectible toys, a passion that eventually led him to open Lost Toys and Comics in Miller Place in 2024.
The Patchogue location soft-opened about a month ago.
New location, same toys
Maurus said the decision to relocate the store was rooted in both community and nostalgia. He felt Patchogue “needed something” that could bring together friends, families, and collectors — and he wanted to give back to the place that helped raise him.
“Running this store in my hometown is a childhood dream,” Maurus said.
Stepping inside the shop is meant to feel like a trip back in time. Most of the toys and comics on display date back to the 1980s and 1990s, with nothing newer than 20 years old. Many of the comics come from what Maurus calls their “prime” years.
Collectors can find everything from Spider-Man comics dating back to the 1960s to vintage X-Men, Batman, Marvel, and DC collectibles, along with baseball cards and other memorabilia.
Where the passion began
Maurus previously told Greater Long Island that his love for collecting was sparked by his late father, who would reward him with trips to KB Toys or Toys “R” Us for helping around the house.
“Before it was cool, I was collecting stuff and just putting it away,” Maurus said. “Now, it’s pretty mainstream.”
Before opening Lost Toys and Comics, Maurus managed Game On, a vintage video game store located in the same shopping center as the former Miller Place location.
That experience helped build his confidence to launch his own vintage comic and collectibles business.
A new chapter in Patchogue
While the inventory remains largely the same, Maurus said he’s approaching this location with a fresh perspective. He plans to cross-promote with nearby businesses, increase advertising, and play a more active role in the local community.
“There’s more of a community in Patchogue — between fundraisers, festivals, and charity groups,” Maurus said. “There’s just so many things to get involved with as a business owner here.”
Opening during the busy holiday season meant long nights leading up to Black Friday, but Maurus said the effort paid off. The store has already seen increased foot traffic, higher gift certificate sales, and more overall purchases compared to the Miller Place location.
“This December has already been better,” he said. “It’s just better across the board. It’s just been super positive.”
The response online has mirrored that enthusiasm. Maurus said the shop’s social media following jumped immediately after he posted the store’s new logo, with new followers and positive feedback continuing to roll in daily.
Lost Toys and Comics celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 20.
“I want my store to be a destination where people come to Patchogue, grab dinner, and then afterwards come to Lost Toys,” Maurus said. “There are a lot of people who come in from Manhattan, and to be on their radar would be awesome.”
More photos
Top: Rob Maurus inside his new Patchogue store at 69 North Ocean Ave. (Photo credit: GLI/Nick Esposito)
