International History
TOYS “R” US traces its roots in Washington D.C. as a humble garage business founded by Charles Lazarus in 1948 catering to kids’ needs during the post-war baby boom era. Soon, it started expanding its merchandise to children’s apparels and playthings.
Lazarus had no idea that his first baby furniture store in Washington D.C., would evolve into an $11 billion dollar business with approximately 1,500 stores worldwide. He began by selling baby toys. Then customers asked for toys for older kids until TOYS “R” US became a full-scale toy store extravaganza. In 1957, he opened the first toy supermarket.
Since its inception, Toys "R" Us, Inc., has grown to include the following divisions: Toys "R" Us, U.S., Toys "R" Us International, Babies"R"Us, and Toysrus.com
Conquering Asia
In 2002 Li & Fung Retailing became a franchisee of Toys "R" Us International and acquired 100% ownership of Toys "R" Us Asia, for business in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia while simultaneously providing avenues for entry into new geographic markets including Thailand and China.
As of today, TOYS "R" US Asia operates 110 toy stores in Asia, selling toys, plush, games, bicycles, sporting goods, DVD movies, electronic and video games, small pools, books, educational and development products, infant and juvenile furniture, and electronic as well as educational and entertainment computer software for children.
TOYS "R" US Asia operates approximately 500,000 sq ft of retail space, with stores that are typically located in high-traffic shopping malls.
Toys "R" Us Philippines
Li & Fung Retailing and Robinsons Retail Group forged an alliance to finally bring TOYS "R" US to the country.
On June 30 2006, TOYS "R" US’ first store in the Philippines opened its doors to Filipinos at the 4th level of Robinsons Galleria. Now, it has branches at Robinsons Place Metro East, Robinsons Midtown, Robinsons Place Lipa, Robinsons Place Bacolod, TriNoma Mall and Alabang Town Center. Also, all toy departments of Robinsons Department Store are now converted to Toys “R” Us Toyboxes with over 24 branches nationwide.