KB Toys to Reportedly Make a Comeback Following Toys “R” Us Shut Down

The California company Strategic Marks, which bought the KB Toys brand in 2016, is currently in discussion with pop-up operators to re-open stores in malls before Black Friday. The news follows last week’s announcement that Toys “R” Us will shut down all U.S. stores.

Strategic Marks’ chief executive officer Ellia Kassoff is in talks with retailers, including Go! Retail Group, Spencer Spirit Holdings, and Party City to provide the real estate. Kassoff is also reportedly in discussions with toy manufacturers, including Mattel.

KB Toys stores originally closed its chain of stores in 2009.

About the author

Stephanie Grassullo

Stephanie Grassullo is an associate editor at Adventure Publishing Group. In addition to handling toy and licensing news and updates for The Toy Book and The Licensing Book, Stephanie also writes toy reviews and commentaries for the Toy Insider. When she’s not binge-watching old episodes of Gossip Girl, Stephanie is always game for Boggle tournaments—she’s the titleholder Boggle champion in her family, and proud of it! Stephanie firmly believes that there is no awkward moment that can’t be remedied with the help of Bop It. To get to know her better, follow her on Twitter @steph_grass.