Toys "R" Us once dominated American toy retail, but today the number of physical stores is much smaller than during its peak. Understanding how many Toys "R" Us locations remain in the United States requires looking at closures, the shift to online shopping, and the brief revival under new ownership.
Current operations are limited to a handful of stores, mainly in and around New York and New Jersey, after the brand returned under a licensing model rather than a full national reopening. The following sections break down the landscape by region, format, and what shoppers can expect from remaining locations.
| Region | Store Format | Estimated Number of Active Stores (2024) | Primary Operating Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Metro | Small Flagship / Pop-up | 3 | Owned by Tru Kids under license | Focus on experiential shopping |
| New Jersey Metro | Outlet / Small Format | 2 | Owned by Tru Kids under license | Limited SKUs, clearance focus |
| Northeast Corridor | Pop-up / Seasonal | 1–2 | Seasonal partnerships | Holiday or event-based presence |
| Rest of U.S. | Traditional Big-Box | 0 | Previously operated locations | No standard stores outside licensed regions |
Current Landscape of Toys R Us in the United States
The post-bankruptcy Toys "R" Us revived in 2019 as a licensed brand rather than a full national retailer. This shift changed how many Toys "R" Us are in the US, moving from hundreds of big-box stores to a small number of flagship or pop-up locations concentrated in the New York and New Jersey area. The licensed model allows third parties to use the brand for specific stores or holiday kiosks without reopening the classic warehouse-style toy stores.
Unlike the classic Toys "R" Us of the 1990s and early 2000s, today's presence is deliberately limited and experimental. Shoppers who are asking how many Toys R Us are in the US should focus on the Northeast corridor rather than expecting a big-box store in every state. Seasonal mall programs and event-based activations also count as official Toys "R" Us touchpoints, even if they are temporary.
Historical Store Count and Major Closures
At its height in the early 2000s, Toys "R" Us operated more than 1,400 stores across the United States. The retailer scaled back significantly after financial struggles and competition from online marketplaces and big-box competitors. Below is a chronology of key moments that explain how many Toys R Us are in the US today.
| Year | Total U.S. Stores | Key Event | Impact on Store Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | ~1,400 | Peak pre-restructuring | Nationwide big-box presence |
| 2017 | ~400 | Bankruptcy and store closures begin | Major locations shuttered |
| 2018 | ~10 | Final U.S. stores close | Brick-and-mortar footprint nearly gone |
| 2019–2023 | 0–5 | Licensed pop-ups and seasonal stores | Minimal, experimental presence |
Regional Breakdown and Format Variations
Today, the few active Toys "R" Us locations are almost entirely concentrated in the tri-state area around New York and New Jersey. These tend to be smaller, format variations such as pop-up flagship stores or outlet-style shops rather than the classic warehouse layout. There may also be seasonal or holiday pop-ups in other regions, but these are not permanent stores and often appear only in specific malls or event centers.
Shopping format affects what customers find at each location. Some sites feature a curated toy selection with interactive displays, while others focus on seasonal clearance and holiday stock. Knowing the expected format helps shoppers decide whether a trip or a local search is worthwhile.
Shopping Formats and What to Expect
Flagship Pop-up Stores
These are small but immersive spaces, often located in high-traffic urban areas. They carry a focused selection of popular toys, collectibles, and seasonal items, and may offer limited services like gift wrapping or exclusive bundles.
Outlet and Clearance Locations
Primarily found in New Jersey, these stores emphasize overstock, discontinued items, and deep discounts. Inventory varies by shipment, so availability of specific toys can change quickly.
Seasonal and Event-Based Activations
During the holidays or at large consumer events, Toys "R" Us may appear as a kiosk or mini-shop inside malls and festivals. These are typically temporary and focus on high-demand gift items for the season.
Key Takeaways on Toys R Us Presence Across the US
- The number of Toys "R" Us stores in the US is very small, with only a handful of licensed locations remaining.
- Most remaining stores are in the New York and New Jersey metro areas, typically as small pop-ups or outlet-style shops.
- Store formats have shifted from large big-box warehouses to smaller, experiential or clearance-focused locations.
- Historical closures reduced the footprint from over 1,400 stores to under 5 active sites as of 2024.
- Seasonal activations and licensed partnerships keep the brand visible without permanent brick-and-mortar locations.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are there any full-size Toys R Us stores left in the United States in 2024?
No, there are no full-size, traditional Toys R Us stores operating in the United States in 2024. Current locations are small, licensed pop-ups or outlet shops, mainly in the New York and New Jersey areas.
How many Toys R Us are in the US right now in New York and New Jersey?
There are approximately 3 active Toys R Us locations in the New York metro area and 2 in the New Jersey metro area, for a total of about 5 licensed and operational sites in the Northeast corridor.
Why did Toys R Us close most of its stores in the US?
Toys R Us closed most of its stores after filing for bankruptcy in 2017, facing heavy debt, changing toy trends, and increased competition from online retailers and big-box competitors that shifted market share away from traditional toy categories.
Can I find Toys R Us products online or in other formats today?
Yes, Toys R Us products are often sold through authorized retailers, major online marketplaces, and at seasonal pop-ups. The brand also licenses select items to other retailers, so specific toys may appear in stores under partner arrangements.