Those who grew up with Toys “R” Us remember the iconic toy store all too well.
Nearly a decade after the toy retailer filed for bankruptcy and subsequently closed its stores across the United States, the store is making a major comeback this holiday season by opening 120 new standalone locations.
In Pennsylvania, there are at least 21 confirmed locations, four of which will be in Montgomery County and one in Bucks County.
The major retail expansion, announced in a company press release on Thursday, Sept. 17, is in partnership with Go! Retail Group. 40 standalone stores currently operate in the United States, and the latest rollout will bring that number to 160.
“This is a major moment for Toys ‘R’ Us as we significantly expand our presence across the United States,” said Jamie Uitdenhowen, executive vice president of Toys ‘R’ Us at parent company WHP Global, in a statement.
“Together with our incredible partners, we are growing Toys ‘R’ Us in unique ways to meet customers wherever they are, whether that’s at a standalone store in their hometown, inside Macy’s, at the airport or at a Navy Exchange,” he continued. “Toys ‘R’ Us has always been a place for discovery, and we’re building on that legacy by bringing customers the hottest toys, biggest trends and experiences that make the brand unlike any other.”
The company has not released a complete list of the 120 new locations or announced opening dates for each store. Confirmed locations are searchable on the website’s store locator.
The new standalone stores will carry toys, collectibles and gifts from toy brands and the latest movies, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels®, Pokémon, and KPop Demon Hunters.
Some will offer more than shopping. New experiences at select locations will include candy shops and cafés, and a new Creator Studios, where influencers, creators and toy brands can create content, unveil new products and host toy reveals, launches and special events.
The Creator Studios are initially being introduced at five existing locations: American Dream in New Jersey, Mall of America in Minnesota, Camarillo Premium Outlets in California, Denver Premium Outlets in Colorado and Chicago Premium Outlets in Illinois.
Toys “R” Us, which was previously one of the leading toy retailers in the nation, has embarked on another chapter in its major revival efforts with the latest news.
In September 2017, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and carried approximately $5 billion in debt. By the next year, it had liquidated its U.S. business and closed its remaining stores nationwide.
The store played a major role in American childhood.
“There’s something special about walking into a Toys ‘R’ Us store, especially during the holidays—the excitement of discovering the hottest toys, seeing favorite brands and characters come to life, and finding that perfect gift,” Gideon Schlessinger, CEO of Go! Retail Group said in a statement. “With 160 stores open this season, we have an incredible opportunity to bring that experience to millions of customers and create destinations they’ll want to come back to throughout the year.”
Twenty-one confirmed locations in Pennsylvania:
Montgomery Mall
Holiday Shop at the Plaza at King of Prussia
King of Prussia Mall
Exton Square
Willow Grove
Springfield
Oxford Valley
Center City Philadelphia
Logan Valley Mall
Ross Park Mall
Mall at Robinson Town Center
South Hills Village Mall
Frazer Heights Galleria
Northeast / Roosevelt Mall
Capital City Mall
Westmoreland Mall
Viewmont Mall
Millcreek Mall
Wyoming Valley Mall
Lehigh Valley
Monroeville Mall