The stores were located in the middle of one of downtown's trendiest locations – Canalside, next to KeyBank Center. But security does not allow packages inside Canalside events, such as the Thursday outdoor concert series, shows at KeyBank Center and Sabres games. That tended to thwart purchases by pre-show crowds.

Clayton's Toys and Gifts offered free gift wrapping and kept its pricing the same as its store on Main Street in Williamsville.

"Our best day was when people came to see the big, inflatable duck in the water," said Kellie Klos, an owner at Clayton's.

Klos said the shops worked together as a unit with HarborCenter representatives to try and make the strip successful. It was a "mutual decision" among the shops and their landlord to call it quits, she said.

"We were just too early. Sometimes being the first one in doesn't work out," Klos said. "But in five years, especially as more people move downtown, that area is going to be amazing."

When asked if she's considering moving the second location elsewhere, she said she's not counting out a move somewhere else downtown but she's focused on closing the HarborCenter shop first.