After years of absence, the iconic Toys “R” Us brand is making a comeback, and its latest chapter begins in Chicago. The beloved toy retailer, which captured the hearts of children for decades before filing for bankruptcy in 2018, is reopening brick-and-mortar stores, with the first standalone location in the Chicago area set to open on October 26 at Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge.
This move is part of a larger revival strategy announced in 2022, with Toys “R” Us planning to roll out hundreds of pop-up stores inside Macy’s across the nation, along with up to 24 flagship standalone stores. The new Chicago-area location is one of the first in this revival, joining other recent openings like the Mall of America and Dallas Fort Worth Airport stores.
A Grand Opening for the Books
The 10,000-square-foot store at Harlem Irving Plaza promises a vibrant, immersive experience for shoppers, bringing together the nostalgic charm of Toys “R” Us with a modern twist. The grand opening event, open to the public, will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by none other than Geoffrey the Giraffe, the store’s famous mascot.