Toys "R" Us to Open 120 New U.S. Stores in 2026

Toys "R" Us announced a significant expansion of its U.S. retail footprint, with plans to open 120 new standalone stores by the upcoming holiday season. This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Go! Retail Group. The new locations will offer a wide array of toys and collectibles from prominent brands, including Lego, Hot Wheels, Barbie, and Pokémon. Some of these forthcoming stores will incorporate "Creator Studios," designated areas designed for toy brands, content creators, and influencers to host product launch events and toy-related activities. Additionally, select new stores will feature integrated cafes and candy shops, aiming to enhance the in-store experience for shoppers. This expansion marks a substantial growth for the iconic toy retailer. Currently, Toys "R" Us operates 40 standalone stores across the United States, alongside its "shop-in-shop" presence within Macy's department stores nationwide. Upon completion of this expansion, the total number of standalone Toys "R" Us stores is projected to reach 160. The company has indicated that a store locator tool is available on its official website to help consumers find these new locations, though a comprehensive list of all new store addresses has not yet been published. Fast Company has reached out to Toys "R" Us for further details regarding the store openings and will provide updates upon receiving a response. Beyond the expansion of its standalone brick-and-mortar stores, Toys "R" Us is also broadening its reach within the travel retail sector. In collaboration with WHSmith North America, the company is establishing new "shop-in-shop" locations within airports. The first of these airport stores opened at Orlando International Airport (MCO), one of the busiest airports in the country, in August. A second airport location is slated to open next summer. This multi-faceted expansion strategy underscores Toys "R" Us's renewed focus on physical retail presence. The current expansion efforts represent a significant turnaround for Toys "R" Us, which has navigated a complex history in the past decade. The company initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2017, leading to the closure of its more than 700 stores in 2018. The Toys "R" Us brand and its intellectual property were subsequently acquired by Tru Kids Brands in January 2019. In March 2021, WHP Global, the current parent company, acquired the brand. By August of the same year, the retailer began its resurgence with new store openings and strategic partnerships.