Toys “R” Us Announces New Stores Including Iowa Location

Seven years ago, Toys "R" Us liquidated all of its assets and closed all of its stores in the US. $5 billion in debt will do that to you. But now, just in time for the holidays, the beloved toy store chain is about to make a comeback, including a location here in Iowa!

Toys R Us Used to Be Heaven for Kids

The Des Moines Register reports that World War II veteran Charles Lazarus started the business as a children's furniture store in 1948. It would turn into the king of all toy stores and a Mecca for kids, especially during the holiday season. But like many other brick-and-mortar retailers, Toys "R" Us fell to competitors like Wal-Mart, Target, and eventually Amazon. In 2018, the chain closed all 735 stores nationwide, including many in Iowa.

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Toys R Us Plans a Comeback! 

The Register reports that in 2019, Tru Kids purchased the Toys "R" Us brand with plans to revive the store. In 2021, WHP Global bought the controlling stake in Toys "R" Us. It began opening small locations in malls, airports, and cruise ships, according to the Register. It also partnered with Macy's to open toy shops in Macy's stores.

Ten New Toys "R" Us Stores Coming Soon! 

The comeback continues for Toys "R" Us with the announcement of ten new retail locations. The Register reports that one of those new stores will be located at the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines! Other locations will include;

• Omaha, Nebraska, at Westroads Mall
• Thornton, Colorado
• Long Beach, California
• Hanover, Maryland
• Camarillo, California
• Emeryville, California

A specific opening date for the Iowa Toys "R" Us store has not yet been announced, according to the Register.