Toys'R'Us Makes A Comeback In IL 8 Years After Mass Closures

Eight years after closing all of its Illinois stores, Toys "R" Us has announced a major U.S. retail expansion, saying 120 standalone stores will open across the country this holiday season through a partnership with Go! Retail Group.

The company said that would bring the total number of standalone Toys"R"Us stores in the United States to 160 by the holiday season. The move is part of the brand's continued U.S. growth and is aimed at giving customers more places to shop.

The rollout expands a retail footprint that already includes 40 standalone stores and Toys"R"Us shops inside Macy's stores nationwide. Last year, the toy store opened a 13,000-square-foot standalone location at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora.

"This is a major moment for Toys"R"Us as we significantly expand our presence across the United States," said Jamie Uitdenhowen, Executive Vice President of Toys"R"Us at WHP Global. "Together with our incredible partners, we are growing Toys"R"Us in unique ways to meet customers wherever they are, whether that's at a standalone store in their hometown, inside Macy's, at the airport or at a Navy Exchange. Toys"R"Us has always been a place for discovery, and we're building on that legacy by bringing customers the hottest toys, biggest trends and experiences that make the brand unlike any other."

The new stores will feature what the company described as a curated assortment of seasonal toys, collectibles and gifts from major brands and movie tie-ins.

Some stores will introduce Creator Studios, described as spaces where influencers, creators and toy brands can make content, unveil products and host events. Two Creator Studios are set to open up in suburban Illinois on Oct. 1, with one opening at Gurnee Mills, located at 6170 W. Grand Ave. in Gurnee and another at White Oaks Mall, located at 2501 Wabash Ave. in Springfield.

Select stores will also include candy shops and cafés.

"This holiday season represents an extraordinary expansion for Toys"R"Us in the U.S., and we couldn't be more excited to bring the magic of Toys"R"Us to so many communities across the country," said Gideon Schlessinger, CEO of Go! Retail Group. "There's something special about walking into a Toys"R"Us store, especially during the holidays—the excitement of discovering the hottest toys, seeing favorite brands and characters come to life, and finding that perfect gift. With 160 stores open this season, we have an incredible opportunity to bring that experience to millions of customers and create destinations they'll want to come back to throughout the year."

Beyond the store openings, Toys"R"Us said it is continuing to grow its U.S. footprint by reaching customers where they live, shop and travel.