Toys "R" Us

Charles Lazarus opened a small furniture shop in Washington, D.C. in April 1948, but the business quickly pivoted to become the world's most recognizable toy destination. By June 1957, he rebranded Children's Supermart as Toys "R" Us, creating a retail model that would dominate American shopping malls for decades. The company grew steadily through the 1970s and exploded during the 1980s, eventually opening international branches in Canada and Britain by the mid-1980s.

The brand faced a significant turning point in 2017 when it filed for bankruptcy and dissolved its original corporate structure. A consortium including Bain Capital, WHP Global, and KKR acquired the intellectual property rights, launching a new licensing strategy that partnered with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. This shift allowed the heritage name to survive while adapting to a market dominated by e-commerce giants.

In late 2026, Toys "R" Us executed a major comeback plan by announcing plans to open 120 new standalone stores across the United States specifically timed for the holiday season. David Brandon serves as the CEO leading these revitalization efforts, which focus on expanding product offerings and digital presence. The company now operates primarily through this hybrid model of licensed locations and direct-to-consumer e-commerce at toysrus.com. [edit]