The glory days of Toys “R” Us are back, but only for a movie.
Los Angeles area residents passing through Burbank have been doing double takes as “The World’s Biggest Toy Store” returned in its most iconic form this week. Thanks to some Hollywood magic, the classic brown-roofed, rainbow-striped version of Toys “R” Us has taken over the former Kmart location at 1000 N San Fernando Blvd. Crews are putting the finishing touches on the building that sources tell The Toy Book is being used as a set for Michael, the forthcoming biopic from Lionsgate and Training Day director Antoine Fuqua.
While the brown rooflines are a little lower than they were in reality, the set is an instantly recognizable piece of toy, retail, and pop culture history. Jackson, played in the film by the King of Pop’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, was known for his epic shopping sprees at Toys “R” Us locations throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Internet rumblings have also suggested a link between the retro Toys “R” Us and new films from Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson or the forthcoming Stranger Things 5. This month, a similarly nostalgic set for a Tower Records store popped up elsewhere in the LA area and was quickly struck when filming wrapped. Although we hear this is for Michael, it’s not 100% confirmed until the filmmakers say it is.
While the original Toys “R” Us ended its 70-year run in the U.S. back in 2018, the retailer has been on the comeback trail in recent years. Under the ownership of WHP Global, Toys “R” Us now operates store-within-a-store locations at more than 400 Macy’s stores in addition to flagship stores at American Dream and Mall of America. More than 20 additional flagship stores are planned in partnership with Go! Retail Group and Toys “R” Us recently opened its first airport location in Dallas.
Meanwhile, the Toys “R” Us brand continues to be strong internationally with branded stores in more than 900 locations across more than 25 countries.
