Preserving Childhood Memories: T&E Treasures Brings Nostalgia to the RGV
In an era dominated by digital entertainment, T&E Treasures, a unique toy store in Mission, is embracing nostalgia by connecting customers with cherished childhood memories through its extensive collection of toys. Owned by Erica Saenz, T&E Treasures is not just a store but a journey back in time for many who visit, drawing customers from across the nation to the Rio Grande Valley.
A Nostalgic Escape into the Past
Walking into T&E Treasures feels like stepping into a time capsule of childhood dreams. The store, located off Bryan Road, is filled with a distinct assortment of toys, dolls, and plushies from different eras. From beloved characters like Beetlejuice, Scooby-Doo, and the Flintstones, Saenz has curated a collection that speaks to the dormant child in all visitors.
“The items we have, you can’t find them anywhere else,” says Saenz. “We’re having so much fun, and the people that walk in here, you’re having fun when you walk in here… everything that you want and everything that brings back memories, this is an amazing feeling.”
Ten Thousand Plushies and Counting
The store’s journey began when Saenz transitioned her love for plush toys from a booth at her family’s store to a full-fledged treasure trove. Remarkably, her collection has grown to over 10,000 plushies. “I was like, ‘Hey I’m going to bring some of my collection from home to sell here,’ and we saw it sold so quickly,” Saenz recounts.
Her initial success fueled her passion to expand further, much to the delight of her diverse clientele. “A lot of our customers are adults because they’re looking for their childhood plush,” Saenz notes. The joy of reuniting with a beloved toy from one’s past is a common scene at T&E Treasures.
Beyond Borders: A Nationwide Attraction
Although tucked away in Mission, the store’s reputation extends well beyond the RGV. T&E Treasures receives visitors from all over the country, including states as far as New York and Louisiana. The shop also offers worldwide shipping for customers seeking to reconnect with a piece of their past, no matter where they reside.
“We have people tell us, ‘We’re from New York, Louisiana.’ We also ship worldwide, so we ship to those places,” Erica Saenz explains. She credits this wide reach not only to the unique inventory but also to her willingness to hunt down specific requests from customers. “We also have our connection, which I cannot say where we go, and we actually bring weekly 500 new arrivals every week here. It’s just a ton of treasures,” she adds.
Empowering Through Enterprise
As a Latina female business owner, Saenz takes immense pride in her entrepreneurial success, which resonates with the local community. “I am a Latina female business owner, just those words mean so much to me and to so many others,” she shares. T&E Treasures represents more than an economic venture; it symbolizes cultural and personal empowerment.
Eyes on Expansion
With T&E Treasures’ increasing popularity, Saenz is seeking a larger location to accommodate her growing collection and customer base. “I want something at least 9,000 square feet. I want to be the world’s largest plushie toy store,” she envisions. Determined to continue providing joy to her customers, Saenz’s expansion plans could further solidify the store as a key destination within the Valley.
Connecting with the Community
The presence of T&E Treasures in Mission is a boon to the local community, promoting both economic vitality and cultural nostalgia. It serves as a testament to the RGV’s diversity and ability to blend tradition with commerce, reminding residents and visitors alike of the region’s unique charm and spirit.
For those interested in visiting or learning more about T&E Treasures, the store is located in Mission, Texas, with regular updates on new arrivals provided through their social media platforms. As the store continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the community and visitors from afar continues to be meaningful, demonstrating the power of cherished memories and childhood collectibles in our lives.
In a world increasingly focused on the next big thing, T&E Treasures offers the comforting allure of yesterday, right here in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley—a true RGV news story of local impact and community interest, celebrating the enduring appeal of the toys we loved and continue to love.
