National toy retailer is returning to Wilmington for the holidays

A well-known toy retailer is returning to Wilmington with a brick-and-mortar location for the holidays. Toys "R" Us, which closed its Wilmington location on Oleander Drive in June 2018 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is set to open a location at Independence Mall in early October

Steals & Deals

SEE ALL

Cincinnati Enquirer

How Amazon Prime members can save on gas every Friday through January

TheStreet

Amazon has a rocking chair patio set with cushions for $80

Trendline

SSENSE Confirmed as Reliable Platform for Authentic Luxury Goods, Despite Potential Import Taxes and Return Challenges

What is the story about?

The Go! Toys, Games and Calendars store in Independence Mall in Wilmington, seen here Sept. 30, 2026, is being changed over to a Toys 'R' Us for the holidays.

A well-known toy retailer is returning to Wilmington with a brick-and-mortar location for the holidays.

Toys "R" Us, which closed its Wilmington location on Oleander Drive in June 2018 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is set to open a location at Independence Mall in early October as part of a national partnership with Go! Retail Group.

Cash Rialubin, the co-operator of the Go! Calendars, Toys & Games store in Independence Mall, confirmed that the store was changing over to a Toys "R" Us.

The store was closed on Wednesday, Sept. 30, but dozens of boxes of unopened toys were piled high as Rialubin and his co-operator, Mary Ann Cabero, changed out the merchandise.

season

The Go! Toys, Games and Calendars store in Independence Mall in Wilmington, seen here Sept. 30, 2026, is being changed over to a Toys 'R' Us for the holidays.

Rialubin said he hopes to reopen as a Toys "R" Us by Monday, Oct. 5.

According to a story from USA TODAY, Toys "R" Us is expanding its U.S. retail footprint with 120 new standalone stores set to open across the country.

The expansion, announced Sept. 17, will bring the number of standalone Toys "R" Us stores in the U.S. from 40 to 160. Toys "R" Us also has stores in some 400 Macy's locations nationwide.

Toys "R" Us says its new locations will sell toys, collectibles and gifts from major brands and entertainment properties, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Pokémon and "KPop Demon Hunters."

John Staton is the arts and culture reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at jstaton@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: National toy retailer is returning to Wilmington for the holidays