Toys ‘R’ Us announces 2013 global expansion plans; 100-plus stores on tap

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us on Wednesday unveiled its global growth for 2013, with the planned opening of more than 100 stores, including new locations, the relocation and conversion of 14 stores to its side-by-side format, and 22 new licensed stores. The openings represent the net addition of over 900,000 sq. ft. of retail space to the company’s store portfolio.



Toys “R” Us’ most significant expansion plans for 2013 are in China, where it has already begun operating several of 22 new stores scheduled to open this year. By yearend, the company plans to operate 51 stores in 27 cities throughout China.



The second largest area of growth is the United States, where 19 new, converted or relocated stores are planned to open, including nine new Toys “R” Us Outlet stores – the largest number in a single year since it began opening these smaller format stores in 2010 – bringing the total number to 25 outlet locations nationwide.



Since embarking on its integrated store or side-by-side strategy in 2006, Toys “R” Us has converted approximately 25% of its wholly owned store base to the format, which brings the company’s toy and juvenile product offerings together under one roof.



“This expansion demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our long-term strategy – advancing our business in international markets with high growth potential and the continued integration of our toy and juvenile products businesses by combining Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us together under one roof.” said Antonio Urcelay, interim CEO, Toys “R” Us.



Below is the list of new, relocated and converted store locations in the United States and Canada scheduled to open this year:



Ten new, converted or relocated side-by-side stores:

• Upland, Calif.


• Aurora, Col.


• Pensacola, Fla.


• Meridian, Ind.


• White Plains, N.Y.


• Brooklyn, N.Y.


• Beavercreek, Ohio


• Greenville, S.C.


• Garland, Texas


• San Antonio, Texas
  
  

Nine new Toys “R” Us outlet locations:

• Camarillo, Calif.


• San Diego, Calif.


• Dawsonville, Ga.


• Woodstock, Ga.


• Pearl, Miss.


• Chesterfield, Mo.


• Barceloneta, Puerto Rico


• Nashville, Tenn.


• Round Rock, Texas

Canada: Six new side-by-side stores:

• Thunder Bay


• Vaudreuil


• South Winnipeg


• Stoney Creek


• Brantford


• Decarie