Toys “R” Us is staging a remarkable return to Illinois, with a new store set to open on October 26, 2024, at Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge. This 10,000-square-foot location is part of the brand’s latest push to re-establish its presence in brick-and-mortar retail after its bankruptcy and closures in 2018.
Is This Permanent Or A Pop-Up?
The Illinois store is more than just a holiday pop-up; it’s a permanent location, joining other flagship stores at the Mall of America in Minnesota and the American Dream Mall in New Jersey.
Resurrection Of The Toy Giant
The revival of Toys “R” Us comes under the ownership of WHP Global, which acquired the brand in 2021 and has since launched an aggressive expansion strategy. Beyond standalone stores, Toys “R” Us has partnered with Macy’s to create smaller toy sections inside Macy’s department stores across the country.
These in-store partnerships helped the toy giant regain traction during the pandemic, and now the company is looking to bring back larger, dedicated retail spaces for customers who miss the in-person toy shopping experience.
Will Additional Locations Begin To Pop Up?
Toys “R” Us has maintained a special place in the hearts of generations of children and parents, and the new stores are designed to capture the same magic that made the brand iconic. As excitement builds around the Norridge opening, there is optimism that additional locations will follow, although specific details on future Illinois stores have yet to be confirmed…