SOME customers aren’t hopeful about the select Toys R Us locations planned for openings this fall and into next year.
The iconic retailer had been around since 1948 before financial struggles led to a bankruptcy filing in 2017.
Toys R Us has opened a new location in Virginia[/caption]
The store specifically serves military members and their families[/caption]
Toys R Us cited around $5 billion in debt and expenses of around $400 million yearly toward the outstanding balance, per the New York Times.
While it originally intended to reorganize and resolve its debt issues, Toys R Us was forced to close 735 stores by June 2018, with the last remaining stores hanging a few years longer until the proceedings were finally complete in January 2021.
Things changed in March of that year when WHP Global acquired a majority stake in Tru Kids, the parent company to Toys R Us, Babies R Us, and other brands.
WHP Global then opened the first post-bankruptcy Toys R Us store at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It later made waves at the end of 2023 for opening an 11,000-square-foot flagship store at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, in November 2023, with plans for at least 24 flagship locations in total.
PARTNER PROMISE
In July, WHP Global confirmed it reached a license agreement with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), per a press release.
The partnership would lead to the opening of Toys R Us locations within the NEX stores on bases around the country and the world.
Stanley Silverstein, chief commercial officer at WHP Global, said that the agreement with NEXCOM would significantly benefit military families.
“We are thrilled to team up with NEXCOM to bring the joy and excitement of Toys R Us to Navy families around the globe,” Silverstein said in the release.
“This collaboration allows us to extend our reach and provide a unique shopping experience that caters specifically to the needs of those who serve our country.”
No confirmed opening date was given, but WHP Global noted the NEX Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA, as its first location for the new Toys R Us shops.
CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS
The wait finally ended for customers in Virginia Beach on October 12, according to a post on Facebook.
Customer Todd Payton took a snapshot of a banner that noted the date as the grand opening for Toys R Us and NEXCOM.
Still, some shoppers weren’t thrilled about Toys R Us’ hallowed return and even claimed that it wasn’t anything like what the retailer used to be.
For our military families, we hope this Toys R Us expansion evokes a deep sense of nostalgia while also providing an even greater selection and a more engaging experience!
Richard Honiball, on behalf of NEXCOM
“That’s not Toys R Us,” a customer fumed in a comment.
“If that is toys r us then it’s a poor excuse for one,” another fumed.
“At least the name survived, give them time to grow,” a third encouraged.
PLANNING AHEAD
The second Toys R Us location to open will be at NEX Jacksonville, Florida, although the opening date remains unclear.
WHP Global noted in the release that after the Virginia Beach opening, most of the other stores would arrive in 2025.
All of the NEXCOM Toys R Us stores will “showcase a wide selection of the hottest toys and games,” according to the July release.
Additionally, the Toys R Us mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, will be around for greetings and pictures.
Navy families are also promised “exclusive promotions” and “special events.”
Toys R Us also made a similar deal with Macy’s, with plans for 400 in-store locations and several flagship stores, per a 2022 press release.
