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Toys “R” Us is one of the most recognizable toy retailers in modern history. After filing for bankruptcy in 2017 and closing its U.S. big-box stores in 2018, the brand has been rebuilt through licensing and new retail partnerships. Today, Toys “R” Us exists as a combination of standalone flagship stores, seasonal pop-ups, shop-in-shop concepts, and international licensees—plus a revived e-commerce presence in select markets.
This updated page focuses on the most reliable, year-labeled Toys “R” Us statistics: legacy store counts and membership numbers from filings, plus the brand’s modern comeback footprint and expansion plans.
Toys “R” Us Stats at a Glance (Latest Available)
- Global store footprint (legacy): 1,691 operated + 257 licensed stores (38 countries/jurisdictions) as of Jan 28, 2017
- Employees before U.S. liquidation (legacy): 65,000 (2017)
- U.S. comeback (recent): 10 new flagship stores + 20 seasonal holiday shops announced for 2025
- Macy’s shop-in-shops (legacy revival milestone): Toys “R” Us rollout to every Macy’s store announced for 2022 holiday season
- Canada update: Toys “R” Us Canada entered restructuring with stores open and e-commerce suspended (Feb 2026)
Key Metrics Table
| Metric | Value | Year / Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stores operated by Toys “R” Us | 1,691 | As of Jan 28, 2017 | SEC filing (Toys “R” Us 10-K) |
| Stores licensed (additional) | 257 | As of Jan 28, 2017 | SEC filing (Toys “R” Us 10-K) |
| Countries/jurisdictions with stores | 38 | As of Jan 28, 2017 | SEC filing (Toys “R” Us 10-K) |
| Rewards “R” Us active members (legacy) | 19M | FY2016 reporting era | ToysRUsInc investor report (legacy) |
| Babies “R” Us registry registrants (legacy) | 23M | FY2016 reporting era | ToysRUsInc investor report (legacy) |
| U.S. expansion announcement (flagship + seasonal) | 10 flagships + 20 seasonal | 2025 plan | PR Newswire (brand announcement) |
| Macy’s U.S. shop-in-shop rollout | Every Macy’s store (announced) | 2022 holiday season | Macy’s press release |
Toys “R” Us History: A Quick Timeline
- 1948: Charles P. Lazarus opens Children’s Bargain Town (Washington, D.C.).
- 1957: First Toys “R” Us toy-only store opens (Rockville, Maryland).
- 2005: Toys “R” Us acquired in a leveraged buyout (Bain Capital, KKR, and Vornado).
- 2017: Files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.
- 2018: Announces liquidation and closes U.S. big-box stores.
- 2019–2021: Brand relaunched through licensing and new ownership structures (including WHP Global’s controlling stake in Tru Kids).
- 2022: Macy’s announces Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops rolling into every Macy’s store for the holiday season.
- 2023–2025: Standalone store strategy expands through Go! Retail Group partnership, with new flagships and seasonal shops.
The Comeback: How Toys “R” Us Stores Work in the U.S. Now
The Toys “R” Us brand has returned through multiple retail formats rather than one nationwide chain of identical big-box stores:
- Flagship stores: Larger, toy-first locations designed for year-round shopping and brand experiences.
- Seasonal holiday shops: Pop-up locations timed to peak toy shopping months.
- Shop-in-shops: Toys “R” Us-branded sections inside other retailers (notably Macy’s).
For the 2025 holiday season, Toys “R” Us announced 10 new flagship stores plus 20 seasonal holiday shops, in partnership with Go! Retail Group.
Legacy Store Count: How Big Was Toys “R” Us Before Bankruptcy?
The strongest “peak footprint” numbers come from Toys “R” Us’ own filings. As of January 28, 2017, Toys “R” Us reported it operated 1,691 stores and licensed an additional 257 stores across 38 countries and jurisdictions.
These figures are useful historical context, but they should not be treated as today’s store count—today’s footprint is driven by a mix of licensees, shop-in-shops, and newer flagship formats.
How Many People Worked for Toys “R” Us?
Before U.S. liquidation, Toys “R” Us cited about 65,000 employees in 2017 (legacy figure). Today’s staffing is distributed across multiple partners, licensees, and retail formats, so there isn’t a single consolidated “Toys “R” Us employee count” comparable to the old corporate structure.
Canada Update (2026)
In early 2026, Toys “R” Us Canada entered a restructuring process under Canada’s creditor-protection framework. Coverage reported that stores remained open while its e-commerce platform was suspended during the process. If you are tracking store counts, treat Canada as a separate entity from U.S. flagship operations and retail partnerships.
Featured Toys “R” Us Video
FAQ
Is Toys “R” Us still in business?
Yes, as a brand. After closing its U.S. big-box stores in 2018, Toys “R” Us returned through a combination of standalone flagships, seasonal shops, shop-in-shops, and international licensees.
How many Toys “R” Us stores were there at its peak?
As of Jan 28, 2017, Toys “R” Us reported 1,691 operated stores and 257 licensed stores across 38 countries/jurisdictions.
How many people worked for Toys “R” Us before it closed U.S. stores?
A widely cited legacy figure is 65,000 employees (2017) before U.S. liquidation.
How is Toys “R” Us reopening stores in the U.S.?
The brand’s U.S. comeback is being driven by retail partnerships, including Go! Retail Group flagships/seasonal shops and a shop-in-shop approach (notably through Macy’s in prior years).
What happened with Toys “R” Us in Canada in 2026?
Reports in February 2026 stated Toys “R” Us Canada entered creditor protection/restructuring, kept stores open, and suspended its e-commerce platform during the process.
Sources
- SEC: Toys “R” Us 10-K (store counts; countries/jurisdictions)
- Macy’s: Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops rollout announcement (2022)
- WHP Global: Go! Retail Group partnership announcement
- PR Newswire: 2025 flagship + seasonal holiday shops announcement
- Retail Dive: Toys “R” Us Canada creditor protection (Feb 2026)
- Go! Retail Group: Toys “R” Us locations / store info
