Just in time for the holidays, Toys “R” Us Canada is expanding its retail footprint with 10 new store openings.
The expansion will include two first-of-its-kind stand-alone Babies “R” Us Canada locations and more than 300,000 total square feet of retail space. This move will bring the toy retailer to 105 locations across the country.
Retail Council of Canada recently reported that 81% of Canadians will shop at brick-and-mortar retailers in their neighborhood rather than purchasing their items online, an almost two-fold increase of what we saw in 2022 (41%). Toys “R” Us Canada is meeting the demand by opening eight Toys “R” Us Canada locations, plus two stand-alone Babies “R” Us Canada locations in Edmonton. Although a majority of the locations are new, the toy retailer is also returning to communities like Kamloops, British Columbia.
“I believe the Canadian consumer is looking to get out and shop in-store again,” says Doug Putnam of Putnam Investments, of which Toys “R” Us Canada is a subsidiary. “I see such a strong opportunity to invest in Canadian retail. Our recent lease acquisitions allow us to re-enter markets we were previously in [and] reach markets where we don’t have a presence, or where we see potential to meet a greater demand.”
To introduce each community to their new store, Toys “R” Us Canada and Babies “R” Us Canada will be holding grand opening celebrations Oct. 13-15 with plenty of activities such as face-painting, balloon artists, and interactive toy demos. There will also be deals, giveaways, and visits from fan-favorite characters such as Bluey, Cocomelon, Peppa Pig, Elmo, and Care Bears.
“These openings couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Nick Muriella, Vice President of Merchandising & Supply Chain at Toys “R” Us Canada. “Our team has been working hard to bring our customers the best offers on the most sought-after toys and baby goods. We will be stocked with the must-have top toys of the season, giving our customers an early start on that gift list.”
Doors have gradually opened throughout the summer and will continue to do so this fall, completing all openings in time for the holiday shopping season.
