Kwak: Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Duck Toys

I love this concept—a store dedicated entirely to selling duck toys! What would you call it? “Kwak,” naturally. It’s a no-brainer. A shop with a singular focus: toy ducks, and boy, does it excel at that! Last year alone, this quack-tastic emporium moved a staggering 50,000 ducks, spanning about 600 styles. From the classic yellow bath buddy to more exotic feathered friends, they’ve got it all.

The quirky store hatched from a partnership between Joanne Calabrese and John Walton, her former Gap coworker and no stranger to business brilliance. For years, they fantasized about channeling their vast corporate retail know-how into opening a whimsical wonderland in San Francisco.

Kwak proudly showcases an extraordinary selection of rubber ducks, crafted to suit every possible occasion and celebration you can dream up. Planning a wedding? Kwak has you covered with charming bride and groom ducks. Celebrating a graduation? Their adorable cap-and-gown ducks are perfect for the occasion. Throwing a baby shower? Look no further than their sweet and cuddly baby shower duckies, ready to float into the hearts of your guests.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Kwak’s shelves are lined with a fun variety of ducks, including festive holiday-themed ducks, quirky Taylor Swift and Willie Nelson ducks, and even career-inspired ducks for every profession. For those with a cheeky sense of humor, their “duck you” ducks add a playful twist.

No matter the size of your ducky desires, Kwak offers everything from jumbo-sized ducks to the tiniest of ducklings, alongside the classic, Ernie-approved bathtub duckies. While most ducks these days are crafted from plastic rather than rubber, they retain all the charm of their squishy ancestors. At Kwak, there’s a quacky companion for every moment and milestone!

The best part? This place isn’t just floating along; it’s swimming in success! The founders proudly report the shop is profitable and, as you might expect, catching the attention of potential franchisees. Turns out, when you waddle into a niche and own it, it pays off big time. Who knew a duck-focused gimmick could turn into a golden goose? Or in this case, a golden duck!

Kwak sells its ducks online, but the owners are confident that the in-store experience will always remain the core of their business.