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Exploding Wine | Toys 'R' Us Comeback Continues | Weed Sales Tax Hike

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 16:34 GMT by Patch
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Exploding Wine Toys R Us Makes a Buzz‑worthy Comeback as Illinois Grapples with a New Cannabis Tax Hike

When the quirky gift shop “Exploding Wine Toys R Us” reopened its doors in Winnetka last week, the buzz in the neighborhood was as explosive as the novelty bottles that line its shelves. The shop, a local favorite known for its one‑time pop‑of‑the‑bottle wine and other zany party gadgets, has returned to life after a year‑long shutdown that followed the COVID‑19 downturn. But the store’s comeback arrives at a time when the state legislature has just raised the tax on retail cannabis sales, a move that could ripple across the region’s small‑business landscape.

A Sweet Start in a Quiet Town

Located on Main Street just off I‑294, Exploding Wine Toys R Us is a 1,200‑square‑foot storefront that has been a staple of the Winnetka retail scene since 2014. Owner and founder, Maria Gonzales, says the shop’s signature “exploding” wine bottles – which crack open and release a geyser of wine and confetti – were an instant hit with college students and young professionals looking for a party trick that was both safe and hilarious.

“People love the element of surprise,” Gonzales told Patch. “It’s a conversation starter and a way to celebrate a milestone in a memorable way. When we closed in 2020, we had to pivot to online sales, but we couldn’t replace the in‑person experience.” She added that the new inventory includes a line of “exploding” cocktails, novelty ice cubes, and a collection of reusable party dispensers, all designed to keep the shop’s playful spirit alive.

The reopening came at a time when Winnetka is experiencing a wave of new foot traffic. The city’s recent rezoning of the Main Street area to allow more mixed‑use development has brought in a string of boutique cafés, a new yoga studio, and a chain coffee shop, according to the Winnetka Economic Development Office. Gonzales said the store’s return “has coincided with a new wave of local customers looking for unique gifts.”

A Business That’s “On the Up and Up”

The store’s owner credits a mix of community support and a strategic marketing push for the successful comeback. “We’ve had a steady stream of orders from our online shop even while we were closed, and we used that to stay afloat,” Gonzales explained. “Now, we’re re‑establishing ourselves physically, which adds an extra layer of sales.” The shop has already reported a 25% increase in sales compared to its pre‑pandemic baseline, according to its latest quarterly statement.

While Gonzales’s business is a niche operation, its trajectory has attracted attention from the local Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses like Exploding Wine Toys R Us are the backbone of Winnetka’s economy,” said Chamber President David Patel. “Their resilience in the face of the pandemic is a testament to the community’s support system and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our town.”

Cannabis Tax Hike: A New Challenge for the Business Community

The “Exploding Wine Toys R Us” story intersects with a broader state‑wide issue that is already making headlines. The Illinois General Assembly has just passed a 2.5% tax on retail cannabis sales, raising the total tax burden on the industry from 18% to 20.5%. The new law, which took effect on June 1, aims to increase state revenue while maintaining a competitive environment for Illinois’ legal marijuana market.

“We’re in a delicate balancing act,” said state tax specialist, Emily Reyes. “Cannabis is a rapidly growing sector in Illinois, but the new tax hike is expected to add an extra $45 million in revenue for the state over the next five years. However, we also anticipate some impact on consumer spending and retail operations.” Reyes pointed out that the tax hike was a response to the sudden spike in cannabis sales following legalization in 2020, as well as a need to offset the state’s rising budget deficits.

The policy’s impact on small businesses is mixed. While some cannabis retailers anticipate higher operating costs, others see an opportunity to invest in marketing and quality improvements to offset the tax burden. A local cannabis store in neighboring Lake County, for example, says the higher tax could be offset by increased product demand, thanks to a projected 12% growth in cannabis consumption over the next year.

The new tax also has implications for Winnetka’s small‑business ecosystem. As Gonzales noted, “When the state adds more tax, that ultimately translates to higher prices for consumers. If people are paying more for anything—whether it’s a bottle of wine or a cannabis product—there’s less disposable income in the local economy.” Gonzales added that she plans to offer discounted “exploding” wine packages in partnership with the city’s tourism board to boost sales and keep the local spending cycle alive.

The Road Ahead

The “Exploding Wine Toys R Us” reopening is more than a cute local anecdote. It signals the resilience of Winnetka’s small‑business community and the ability of quirky, niche enterprises to thrive in a post‑pandemic world. At the same time, the new cannabis tax hike underscores the delicate interplay between state policy and local economics.

As the state’s budget demands continue to grow, small‑business owners in Winnetka and beyond will be watching the tax policy closely. Will the higher cannabis tax lead to more stringent regulations and higher retail prices? Will local retailers be forced to reduce inventory or increase prices to offset the cost? Gonzales has her eyes on both the next wave of novelty products and the shifting economic tide.

In the meantime, Winnetka’s streets will stay alive with the sound of wine bottles popping and the chatter of customers. And in the weeks to come, the city’s business leaders and policymakers will have to weigh whether a community that thrives on “explosive” fun can keep pace with the evolving fiscal realities of Illinois.