Toys "R" Us is expanding its U.S. retail footprint with 120 new standalone stores set to open across the country this holiday season, nearly a decade after the toy retailer filed for bankruptcy and closed its stores nationwide.
The expansion, announced Sept. 17, will bring the number of standalone Toys "R" Us stores in the U.S. from 40 to 160. The company has not announced where all 120 stores will be located or provided individual opening dates. Toys "R" Us says the new locations will give shoppers more opportunities to buy toys, collectibles and gifts ahead of the holiday season.
The expansion comes as Toys "R" Us continues rebuilding its U.S. presence through standalone stores, Macy's shops, airports and Navy Exchange locations.
What will the new Toys 'R' Us stores sell?
The new stores
will carry toys and collectibles from major brands and entertainment properties, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Pokémon and "KPop Demon Hunters," according to Toys "R" Us.
Some locations will also offer candy shops and cafés.
Select stores will feature Creator Studios, which Toys "R" Us describes as spaces where influencers, content creators and toy brands can film content, unveil products and host toy reveals, launches and other events.
The company is initially introducing Creator Studios 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.
How is Toys 'R' Us making a comeback?
Toys 'R' Us filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2017 while carrying about $5 billion in debt. The company liquidated its U.S. business and closed its remaining stores the following year.
The brand returned to physical retail in 2019 with smaller stores in Paramus, New Jersey, and Houston, though both locations eventually closed in 2021.
WHP Global acquired Toys "R" Us in 2021 and continued rebuilding the brand. A 20,000-square-foot flagship opened at the American Dream mall in New Jersey that December.
The comeback expanded in 2022, when Toys "R" Us shops began opening inside Macy's stores nationwide. The company later partnered with Go! Retail Group to grow its standalone store presence.
Where else can shoppers find Toys 'R' Us?
Toys "R" Us currently has about 400 shops inside Macy's stores nationwide, according to the company's store locator, in addition to its standalone locations.
The retailer also has locations through the Navy Exchange Service Command and is expanding into airports. A Toys "R" Us shop-in-shop opened at Orlando International Airport in August, with another planned for summer 2027, according to the company.
Toys "R" Us says its global business generates more than $2 billion in annual retail sales through more than 1,680 stores and e-commerce businesses across 37 countries.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Toys 'R' Us to open 120 new US stores this holiday season
