After five years on Hudson Street, Doodle Doo’s, a children’s hair salon and boutique, is moving to Christopher Street in November. Why? “We’ve simply outgrown our space,” says owner Dana Rywelsky. “The space on Christopher is beautiful and it’ll give us more opportunities to expand.” For example, at the new 1,800-square-foot digs, she’ll be able to host birthday parties without closing down the entire store. The West Village mom also plans to add story hours and events for parents. And since the boutique is a huge part of Rywelsky’s business, expect to see an ever expanding selection of toys, books and cute clothing items.

Reminders of the tanking economy are everywhere in NYC, from slashed prices to must-close signs to the dreaded pink slips that have found their way into many locals’ hands. One such reality check came this week in the form of a note on the the door of City Cricket, a great children’s shop on Hudson Street that carried handmade blankets, sleek old-fashioned leather rockers and sweet ensembles for babes. The note said that the shop would close its doors March 1, but when we called, the message stated that it had already shuttered. This is happening to businesses all over the city, like the Midtown outpost of Zeyna and Philippe, which Time Out Kids had planned to feature as our February “Recently Opened” pick until it went belly-up just weeks after debuting. It’s so sad to part with stores both new and old, especially once you’ve grown attached to the items and the owners. Please share your stories of your favorite NYC kids’ haunts that have closed. We don’t want them to go out quietly!