Toys R Us Returns as an airport store
Toys”R”Us is gearing up for an exciting new adventure in the world of travel. Thanks to a partnership between WHP Global, the company that acquired Toys”R”Us in 2021, and Duty Free Americas, the first-ever Toys”R”Us airport store is set to open its doors. This remarkable retail destination will be located in Terminal At at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which happens to be the second busiest airport worldwide. Travelers can expect the store to launch just in time for the holiday season in 2023.
So, what’s in store for shoppers at this unique Toys”R”Us experience? Picture a life-size 3D sculpture of the lovable Geoffrey the Giraffe, the iconic Toys”R”Us mascot. And that’s not all. The store will feature a carefully curated selection of toys and games from beloved brands, ensuring that customers can find something special for every child on their list. With interactive demonstration tables and familiar brand elements sprinkled throughout the store, the Toys”R”Us airport location aims to bring joy and excitement to busy gift buyers and parents traveling with their little ones.
Yehuda Shmidman, the chairman and CEO of WHP Global, expressed great enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Duty Free Americas to introduce the first-ever Toys”R”Us airport store, an exciting new concept that we believe could roll out in airports around the world.” This collaboration is a testament to the continued growth of Toys”R”Us under WHP’s ownership. In 2022 alone, the brand expanded its presence by 50% with a successful national rollout across all Macy’s stores in the United States.
This new airport store venture builds upon the momentum of Toys”R”Us’ global expansion efforts. Recently, the company formed a partnership with El Puerto de Liverpool, a major Mexican retail player, to bring the beloved toy brand to Mexico for the very first time. Toys”R”Us has also made its mark in India and the UK, solidifying its international footprint. With over 1,350 stores and e-commerce operations spanning more than 30 countries, Toys”R”Us generates an impressive $2 billion in global retail sales annually.
To make this venture a success, Toys”R”Us is teaming up with Duty Free Americas, the largest duty-free retailer in the Americas. With around 200 stores strategically positioned in airports, border crossings, seaports, and international locations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, Duty Free Americas brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse customer base to the partnership. Jerome Falic, CEO of Duty Free Americas, shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are excited that WHP Global selected us to introduce a new retail concept to the travel industry. Toys”R”Us is a globally recognized brand beloved by millions of families, and we are confident that the store at DFW will become a must-visit destination for travelers.”
As the first-ever Toys”R”Us airport store prepares to take flight at DFW, it marks an exciting new chapter for the iconic toy retailer. Travelers and parents alike can look forward to embarking on a whimsical journey through the world of toys, even in the midst of their travel adventures. So, get ready to let your imagination soar as Toys”R”Us spreads its wings in the world of travel retail.