If you’re a car enthusiast, a collector, or just someone who enjoys the nostalgia of childhood toys, The World of Carz in Stanley, Wisconsin is a must-visit. Owned by Thorp resident, Craig …
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If you’re a car enthusiast, a collector, or just someone who enjoys the nostalgia of childhood toys, The World of Carz in Stanley, Wisconsin is a must-visit. Owned by Thorp resident, Craig Paul, this unique store has become a beloved gathering spot for car lovers of all ages, offering a wide range of new and old products. The World of Carz is the perfect stop for both the serious collector and those looking for a fun, nostalgic gift. Although the store has only been open for four years, Craig and his team have been selling car parts and shop supplies online for many years. Paul explains that they initially added a storefront, followed by another room soon after. “Pretty soon we had people coming just for the Hot Wheels,” he said. It just kind of became its own thing,” he said explaining that after the first room, they just kept expanding as the demand grew. “We plan to add more rooms with more of a variety of cars in the future,” he says. “I’m hoping next year to do another room. We try to do something every year, inside an addition or outside.” This year, they added an outdoor display car made entirely out of approximately sixty car tires.
The World of Carz team’s experience in the industry allows them to offer expert advice and a wide range of quality products, not only for collectors but also for everyday drivers in need of car essentials. Whether someone is looking for a rare collectible or a fun gift for a young car lover, Paul and his team take the time to listen and offer personalized recommendations.
Paul adds, “The best thing about our business is seeing how happy people are to talk about their car or car collection and being able to contribute to their memories of seeing all the cars and adding to their own collection.” Paul mentions that visitors come from all over the country, with some traveling as far as Oklahoma and Indiana. The World of Carz also purchases items from sellers. “We’ve got people bringing stuff in every week,” Paul mentions.
The idea for The World of Carz was born from Paul’s passion for cars and the desire to create a place where people could share in that enthusiasm. “We started the store to have a place where car people could come and enjoy their type of items such as toys from their childhood or items to add to their collection,” he explains. Whether it’s a Hot Wheels car from a child’s dream collection, a replica of an old-fashioned vehicle, or a fun nostalgic lunchbox from the eighties, there’s something for everyone at the store. “Our customer base is actually some of everyone ranging from the young boy wanting that exotic car to grandpa that wants the diecast car of his first car,” Paul notes.
What’s the World of Carz’s best-selling item? It’s no surprise—it’s Hot Wheels. The World of Carz boasts an entire room dedicated to the tiny cars that have captured the hearts of collectors for generations. Paul, who began collecting cars at a young age, agrees. “I guess I always liked the Hot Wheels because new ones come out every month. It’s always changing,” he comments.
But Hot Wheels are just the tip of the iceberg. The World of Carz carries a wide selection of products to cater to any customer.
“We sell Hot Wheels, diecast cars, Ertl Farm toys, tin signs, model kits and even Race Fuel and oil for everyday cars,” Paul lists.
One of the standout features of The World of Carz is its commitment to community. In the warmer months, the store hosts local car shows, featuring a lively atmosphere complete with oldies music and food trucks. Car enthusiasts gather to show off their prized vehicles, reminisce about cars they remember, and connect with others who share their passion. These events have become a popular local tradition, and Paul has already scheduled shows for 2025.
In addition to the enjoyment customers get from the store’s wide selection of car-related products and novelty items, Paul believes the business also plays an important role in the community by providing a local place for customers to shop. “We take time to listen to every customer and hopefully get to contribute to every collector young or old by providing a large variety of items for sale.”
Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just looking for a fun place to explore, The World of Carz is a must-visit destination. The store is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Stop in to see the impressive collection or for more information, call 715-669-3917. You can also follow World of Carz on Facebook or visit the website at theworldofcarz.com.
Don’t forget to check out the newest addition to the store’s outdoor display: a striking red vehicle made entirely of over 60 tires, a true testament to the store’s unique charm!
