Lakeshore Learning Materials

Lakeshore Learning Materials is a national retailer and developer of educational products designed for schools, early childhood programs, and families. The company began in 1954, when Ethelyn Kaplan opened a single toy store in Oakland, California. Over the decades, Lakeshore has grown from its local roots into a recognized supplier of classroom furniture, learning games, arts and crafts, and STEM resources.

As of November 2025, Lakeshore operates 60 stores across 29 states, with its headquarters in Carson, California. The company also maintains a strong e-commerce platform and a direct sales division, which help extend its reach beyond physical locations. In 2018, Leonard Green & Partners acquired Lakeshore, providing new resources that have supported both innovation and expansion. Since then, Lakeshore has steadily increased its store count and entered new markets, focusing on metropolitan and suburban areas with robust educational infrastructure.

Lakeshore’s expansion strategy emphasizes growth in states like California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Georgia. The company continues to open stores in underserved regions, often partnering with educational institutions to strengthen its local presence. Its product assortment is largely educator-designed and private-label, which has helped Lakeshore build credibility among school districts and educational organizations.

Today, Lakeshore employs more than 2,000 people and is widely regarded for its commitment to high-quality, research-based learning materials. The company’s multi-channel approach, steady pipeline of store openings, and established partnerships make it a prominent and reliable tenant in the educational retail sector.