Toys "R" Us filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and closed most of its U.S. stores, but remnants of the brand survive through limited retail channels and digital presence. Today, the number of Toys "R" Us locations that remain is very small compared to its peak, with only a handful of stores and a stronger online ecosystem continuing to serve customers globally.
The brand continues under new ownership and licensing agreements, which shape how many Toys "R" Us locations you can still find and how familiar the experience feels compared to the original stores.
| Region | Store Count (2024) | Ownership / Operator | Primary Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 (flagship) | Toys "R" Us LLC | Experience flagship in Times Square |
| United Kingdom | 0 | Administered brand | Former large-format stores now closed |
| Asia-Pacific | 2–4 | Licensed operators | Small-format pop-ups and outlets |
| Middle East & Africa | 0 | Former franchisees | Legacy stores shuttered |
| E-commerce | 1 global site | Toys "R" Us LLC | U.S.-focused online store with international shipping |
Current Physical Store Landscape
The current physical footprint of Toys "R" Us is limited to a single prominent flagship location and a few licensed pop-ups around the world. These stores are often smaller and focused on in-person experiences rather than large traditional toy aisles.
Most former large-box locations have been repurposed, while the flagship in Times Square serves as a brand symbol more than a full-scale neighborhood toy destination.
Global Licensing and Franchise Evolution
After bankruptcy, the brand rights were licensed to various operators in different regions, creating a patchwork of formats that still carry the Toys "R" Us name. These licensing deals allow third parties to open smaller stores, online shops, or temporary experiences under strict brand guidelines.
In many countries, including the United Kingdom, the original chain ceased operations, while in others, limited formats continue through these partnerships rather than company-owned stores.
E-commerce and Digital Revival
The most active "store" today is the official Toys "R" Us website, which serves U.S. customers primarily and ships a curated selection of toys and baby items. This digital presence is central to the brand's survival, even as physical locations remain rare.
Partnerships with third-party retailers have also extended the brand's reach, though these programs are often limited and do not carry the full inventory associated with the classic Toys "R" Us shopping experience.
Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- Only one major Toys "R" Us flagship store remains open in the United States.
- Most global locations operate through licensing agreements rather than company-owned stores.
- The official website is the primary channel for shopping Toys "R" Us products today.
- Physical presence is now limited to select pop-ups, outlets, and experiential venues.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are there any original Toys "R" Us stores still open in the United States?
There is one flagship location in Times Square, New York City, operated directly by Toys "R" Us LLC, which serves as the primary remaining original-format store in the United States.
Why did most Toys "R" Us locations close after the bankruptcy? After the 2018 bankruptcy, the company shuttered most stores to reduce debt, and landlords often replaced the large spaces with other retailers, making a full reopening impractical. Can I still buy Toys "R" Us branded products in physical stores outside the U.S.?
In most regions, physical Toys "R" Us stores have closed permanently, though licensed operators may run small pop-ups or outlet-style locations that carry limited branded products.
Does Toys "R" Us still offer a baby registry or gift registry service?
Yes, the official Toys "R"Us.com website in the United States maintains baby registry and gift registry tools, though in-store registry assistance is no longer available at the remaining locations.