Toys ‘R’ Us Is Making a Comeback — Here’s What We Know About Its Relaunch

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Growing up in the ‘80s with three siblings, I can recall very few instances when our parents surprised us with toys outside of birthdays or Christmas. We thrived on hand-me-downs and neighborly gifts, sharing everything since our family of six lived on a single military paycheck. I wouldn’t trade those creative days of turning my tricycle into an ice-cream maker (a story for another time) or pretending a rock was a stove for anything.

But nothing compared to the thrill of seeing the Toys ‘R’ Us lights as a child. My parents would keep our trips a surprise to avoid the noise and excitement until we arrived, and these outings were rare, maybe just three times throughout my entire childhood. Yet, each visit was magical. I vividly remember one evening close to Christmas when we drove by Toys “R” Us. It was enchanting, and even though we didn’t go inside, my parents assured us that Santa would stop there before reaching our home. He certainly did, as that year I received my cherished Peaches-N-Cream Barbie, making it the best Christmas ever.

Fast forward to adulthood, I found myself managing a store and preparing for Black Friday. I recall a line snaking outside the local Toys “R” Us, filled with eager parents hunting for Tickle Me Elmo, the hottest toy of the season. The nostalgia flooded back as I reminisced about my childhood visits, hoping my favorite toys awaited me.

If you share this nostalgic sentiment or simply miss wandering the aisles of Toys “R” Us, there’s exciting news: the beloved toy store is set to relaunch in select locations just in time for the holiday season, and we can hardly contain our excitement.

According to recent reports, toy sales surged last year, making it the perfect moment for the return of Toys “R” Us, which had filed for bankruptcy in 2017. WHP Global, a brand management company, has recently acquired a controlling stake in the parent company of Toys “R” Us. CEO Yehuda Shmidman has revealed plans for the brand to reappear in various formats across the U.S., including pop-ups, mini stores, flagship locations, and even airport shops.

So where can you relive the Toys “R” Us experience? You’ll find the stores in over 400 Macy’s locations nationwide next year, with merchandise available online now. Additionally, select Disney Stores in Target will carry Toys “R” Us products.

Ryan Gunnigle, the CEO of Kids2, a major player in the toy industry, expressed his enthusiasm for the revived brand, noting that the partnership with Macy’s aims to meet consumer needs effectively.

This news is undoubtedly uplifting and something for both children and adults to look forward to. After all, who really wants to grow up when we can all still be Toys “R” Us kids at heart? For more information, check out this other blog post here.

Summary

Toys “R” Us is set to relaunch in select formats across the U.S. this holiday season after its bankruptcy in 2017. The iconic brand will appear in over 400 Macy’s locations and online, allowing fans to relive the nostalgia. Toy industry leaders like Ryan Gunnigle are optimistic about the brand’s return, emphasizing its significance in the retail landscape.