Creative Outlooks - Toys 'R' Us - A Child's Toy Land Paradise

Creative Outlooks - Toys 'R' Us - A Child's Toy Land Paradise

Oct, 21 2025


Almost 80 years ago a revolutionary way of buying children’s toys was the brainchild of founder Charles Lazarus. ‘Toys r Us’ was created in April 1948 as an American franchise in Washington D.C.

To get a more comprehensive understanding of this business – simply watch the following film -

  • ‘The Rise and Fall of Toys R Us’ –

Despite a  deterioration in business in latter years, Toys R Us sought a competitive relaunch in 2019. With a plan to open new stores in the US. However, with the outbreak of the pandemic this was halted.

Another chance arrived both in 2022 and 2024 to open a series of stores across America and this time they were successful. Just this past month (2025) the company announced plans to open ten new flagship stores and 20 seasonal holiday shops by the end of this year.

In it’s heyday ‘Toy R Us’ was THE go to place for any child. It was a magical place to wander round and be at awe with all the toys. Parents had to be mindful of their budget as their son or daughter would often chose the most expensive toys in the shops, especially when it came to computers and computer games.

Sadly, with the introduction of online spending people are resorting to this contemporary way of shopping and stores like Toys R Us are missing out. However, the UK website is still active and is available to view at the following link –

https://toysrus.co.uk/pages/about

Toys ‘R’ Us is in development for it’s own feature film but it’s also been included in ‘Blues Brothers’ (1980) and Roofman (2025).

Roofman is based on the real life spree robber Jeffrey Manchester who hid out in Toys R Us after escaping a prison and is loosely based on his life.

It is directed by Derek Cianfrance. The film also stars Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang, and Peter Dinklage.

This comedy action caper is currently showing at Preston’s Arc Cinema – https://preston.arccinema.co.uk/event/100038

I have fond memories of Toys R Us in the 1980’s and 90s. Dragging mum and dad round looking at Master Systems, Megadrives, Nintendos  - They were all the rave back then. It was like a child’s toy land paradise. The only thing that suffered when you left was mum and dads bank balance.

It’s just a shame that people are resorting to online spending. But Charles Lazarus saw a potential here targeting youth with a business plan that would span decades and would give children hours of entertainment which parents have cherished and are eternally grateful for.

^Alex Ashworth CCG Content Creator