For so many of us, the very mention of Toys R Us brings a rush of happy memories. We remember the sprawling aisles, the seemingly endless shelves packed with every plaything imaginable, and of course, Geoffrey the Giraffe, standing tall and proud. It was, in a way, a special place where childhood dreams seemed to take shape right before your eyes. You could spend hours just looking, imagining all the fun you might have.

The thought of Toys R Us returning, then, is something that sparks a lot of curiosity and a good bit of excitement for many folks. People often wonder, is that familiar jingle going to play again in new stores? Will our children get to experience that same sense of wonder we once did? It’s a question that pops up a lot, especially as we look for places to get those perfect presents or just a little something fun for the kids.

This article is going to explore what’s been happening with the Toys R Us brand, where things stand today, and perhaps most importantly, where you can find all those wonderful toys and games now. We’ll look at the journey this beloved store has taken and, you know, what its future might hold, if anything at all.

• Aubrey Keys

Table of Contents

• The Rise and Fall of a Toy Giant
  • A Brief History
  • The Big Closure
• The Journey Back: Is Toys R Us Coming Back?
  • Early Attempts at a Comeback
  • The Macy's Partnership
  • Standalone Stores: A New Approach?
• Why the Return Matters to Us
• Where to Find Amazing Toys Today
  • Big Box Retailers
  • Online Marketplaces
  • Specialty and Book Stores
  • Budget-Friendly Finds
• Frequently Asked Questions About Toys R Us

The Rise and Fall of a Toy Giant

A Brief History

Toys R Us started out as a baby furniture store way back in the late 1940s, which is a bit of a surprise to some. It was a man named Charles Lazarus who saw a need for baby items. Over time, he saw that customers were coming back for toys as their children grew. So, he slowly, you know, started adding more and more playthings to his inventory. This really shifted the focus of the store. By the 1950s, it was pretty much a toy store, and the Toys R Us name, with that famous backward "R," was born. It really grew into a massive chain, a go-to spot for almost any toy you could think of, which was quite something.

For decades, Toys R Us was, in some respects, the king of toy stores. It had a huge selection, often at good prices, and it became a tradition for families to visit, especially around holidays and birthdays. You could find everything from the latest action figures to classic board games, and that was a big part of its appeal. It was, like, a place where kids could just wander and dream, and parents could feel pretty sure they'd find what they needed. The store, you know, really dominated the toy market for a very long time, setting the standard for what a toy store could be.

The Big Closure

However, things began to get tough for the toy giant. The way people shopped started to change a lot. More and more people were buying things online, and big general merchandise stores were also selling a lot of toys. This meant Toys R Us faced a lot of pressure. They had a lot of debt, too, which made things even harder. So, in 2017, the company filed for bankruptcy protection. It was a very sad time for many. Despite efforts to reorganize and keep things going, it just didn't work out. By 2018, nearly all of the Toys R Us stores in the United States closed their doors for good. It was, in a way, the end of an era, and many people felt a real sense of loss.

• Diamond Monroe

The Journey Back: Is Toys R Us Coming Back?

Early Attempts at a Comeback

After the big closures, the Toys R Us brand and its mascot, Geoffrey, didn't just disappear entirely. There were, you know, people who saw value in the name and the nostalgia it carried. So, a new company, Tru Kids Brands, bought the intellectual property. They tried a few things, like opening a couple of smaller, more experience-focused stores in 2019. These places were a bit different, designed to be more interactive, which was kind of interesting. The idea was to create a new kind of toy shopping experience, less about just rows and rows of toys, and more about play. But, as a matter of fact, those specific stores didn't last very long either, closing down in early 2021, which was a bit of a setback.

The Macy's Partnership

So, is Toys R Us coming back in a big way? Well, the most significant step toward a broader return happened with a partnership. Toys R Us teamed up with Macy's, the department store chain. This meant that Toys R Us sections started appearing inside Macy's stores across the country. It was a pretty big deal, actually. These shop-in-shops are, like, dedicated spaces within Macy's where you can find a selection of Toys R Us branded toys. It's not the massive standalone store experience of old, but it does bring the brand back into physical retail spaces for many shoppers. This arrangement, you know, allows Toys R Us to reach customers without the huge overhead of running its own large stores, which is pretty smart.

The Macy's collaboration has, in some respects, been a key part of the brand's recent strategy. It means that when you go to Macy's, you might just stumble upon a Toys R Us area, complete with a Geoffrey the Giraffe statue. This brings a touch of that old magic back, even if it's in a different setting. It’s a way for the brand to be present in malls and shopping centers again, offering a curated selection of toys. This approach, you know, really leverages Macy's existing customer base and store footprint, making it easier for people to find Toys R Us items once more.

Standalone Stores: A New Approach?

Beyond the Macy's partnership, there have been talks and, in fact, some actual openings of new, smaller Toys R Us standalone stores. These aren't the giant warehouses we remember, but rather more compact shops. The idea is to create a more intimate shopping experience, focusing on fun and discovery. These newer stores, like, aim to be more modern and perhaps more adaptable to today's retail climate. It's a slower, more careful expansion compared to the past. The goal, apparently, is to bring back that unique toy store feel without the huge operational costs that contributed to the earlier problems. So, while it's not a massive return of hundreds of stores all at once, there is a gradual, thoughtful effort to bring the brand back to life in new ways.

Why the Return Matters to Us

The question of "is Toys R Us coming back" matters to a lot of people for a few simple reasons. For many adults, it's about nostalgia, pure and simple. Toys R Us was a big part of their childhoods, a place of excitement and wonder. Seeing it return, even in a different form, brings back those warm feelings. It's a connection to a simpler time, you know, when toys were just toys and the biggest decision was which one to pick. This emotional connection is pretty powerful, actually, and it drives a lot of the interest in the brand's future.

For parents today, it's also about finding a great place to shop for their kids. While there are many options, the idea of a dedicated toy store, especially one with a well-known name, holds a certain appeal. It suggests a wide selection and a focus specifically on playthings. Plus, the thought of sharing a bit of their own childhood joy with their children, by taking them to a Toys R Us, is a very strong motivator. It’s, like, passing on a tradition, even if the store itself has changed a bit. This desire for shared experiences is a big part of why people care so much about the brand's potential return.

Where to Find Amazing Toys Today

Even if Toys R Us isn't back in its old form everywhere, or if you just want more options, there are still tons of great places to find toys for kids of all ages. You know, the market for toys is actually pretty vibrant, with lots of different stores offering a wide variety of items. It's not just one big player anymore, which in some ways, is kind of nice because it means more choices for you. So, if you're looking for that perfect doll, an exciting action figure, or a brainy learning toy, you've got plenty of avenues to explore, which is good news for everyone who loves toys.

Big Box Retailers

When you're looking for toys, the big general stores are often a great first stop. You can find toys for kids of all ages at Target, for instance. They really do have a wide selection of games, dolls, action figures, and so much more. What's cool is you can often choose from same day delivery, drive up, or order pickup, which makes shopping pretty convenient. Similarly, you can shop for toys at walmart.com and browse bikes, dolls, dollhouses, drones, action figures, learning toys, and remote control toys. These places, you know, offer a huge range, often at competitive prices, and they are very accessible for most people, which is why they're so popular.

Online Marketplaces

Of course, online shopping has really changed how we buy toys, hasn't it? Amazon's Toys & Games store features thousands of products, including dolls, action figures, games, advent calendars, building toys, stuffed animals, and much more. You can shop by age, which is pretty handy. There are also specialized online stores that focus on hard-to-find and popular kids' and baby toys, figurines, and collectibles. These online places offer a truly massive selection, often more than any single physical store could hold, and you can shop from the comfort of your home, which is a definite plus for many busy parents. It’s a very different way to shop, but it offers incredible variety, apparently.

Specialty and Book Stores

Don't forget about places that might not be just toy stores but still have amazing toy sections. For example, you can find your children’s favorite toy brands like Star Wars, Barbie, and Calico Critters at the Barnes & Noble toy store. Their expansive collection of toys for kids includes electronic toys and science kits, too. These stores often offer a slightly different selection, sometimes with more educational or unique items that you might not find everywhere else. It’s a good place to look for something a little bit different, something that sparks a particular interest, you know, beyond the mainstream popular items.

Budget-Friendly Finds

For those times when you're looking for fun without spending a lot, there are options too. You can explore a pretty extensive collection of toys and games at Five Below. They often have perfect options for kids, teens, and even adults, and you can find some really cool stuff for not much money. It's a great spot for party favors, stocking stuffers, or just a little treat. The selection there is quite varied, and it proves that you don't have to spend a fortune to find something enjoyable. It's a really good place to check out if you're on a budget, or just want to pick up a few small items.

Other electronics retailers also have a surprising range of toys. You can shop for toys at Best Buy, including remote control toys, action figures, robots and robotic kits, and kids' learning electronics. This shows how toys have, in a way, evolved to include more tech-focused items, which is pretty cool for kids who love gadgets. Our selection boasts categories that range from classic plush dolls and action figures to new arrivals and interactive tech toys, ensuring that there is something for every child's unique preferences. Action figures from favorite movies, TV shows, and comics await to inspire epic adventures, while our arts & crafts toys offer endless creative possibilities. You can build worlds with our playsets & building sets, too. There are, you know, just so many choices out there for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toys R Us

Are there any standalone Toys R Us stores open in the US?

Yes, there are a few new, smaller Toys R Us standalone stores that have opened in various locations across the United States. These are not the massive stores of the past, but rather smaller, more focused retail spaces. They are part of a newer strategy to bring the brand back in a more manageable way. For example, there's one at American Dream mall in New Jersey. You can learn more about Toys R Us store locations by checking their official website, which is probably the best way to get current information.

Can I still buy Toys R Us branded toys online?

Absolutely, you can still purchase Toys R Us branded toys online. The brand has a strong online presence, primarily through its partnership with Macy's. You can find a wide selection of Toys R Us items on Macy's website, which is pretty convenient. Additionally, the Toys R Us website itself often directs you to where you can buy their products, which includes various online retailers. So, yes, if you're looking for something with that familiar Toys R Us tag, you can definitely find it on the internet, which is a good thing.

What happened to the original Toys R Us stores?

The original Toys R Us stores in the United States, unfortunately, closed down almost all of their locations in 2018. This happened after the company filed for bankruptcy protection. There were a lot of reasons for this, including a lot of debt and increased competition from online sellers and big box stores. While the physical stores largely disappeared, the brand itself, including Geoffrey the Giraffe, was purchased by a new company, which has since been working on bringing it back in different forms, like the Macy's partnership and smaller standalone shops. You can learn more about toy history on our site, and link to this page .