If you keep seeing headlines that Toys R Us opens new store locations, you’re not imagining things. The chain is in the middle of its biggest U.S. push in years, and the timing lines up with the holiday shopping season. This guide covers what’s happening, what the stores offer, and how to plan a visit that doesn’t end in a meltdown in the toy aisle.

The phrase Toys R Us opens new store can mean a few different things depending on where you live, so let’s start with the basics.

Toys R Us Opens New Store: Quick Facts

• The company announced 120 new standalone U.S. stores on Sept. 17, 2026, opening this holiday season with partner Go! Retail Group. PR Newswire
• That brings the total to 160 standalone stores, on top of the Toys R Us shops inside Macy’s. PR Newswire
• A store locator is available on the retailer’s website, but a full list of new locations hasn’t been published. Fast Company

What Does It Mean When Toys R Us Opens New Store Locations?

It’s less a single grand opening than a rollout. Before this expansion, the company ran 40 standalone stores plus its shop-in-shops at Macy’s. So when Toys R Us opens new store locations at this scale, many communities get a toy store they haven’t had in years. Fast Company

For perspective, the chain once had more than 1,000 U.S. locations. The current footprint is smaller, but it’s a big jump from where things stood recently. NBC News

Where Can You Find the New Store Near You?

Since the full location list isn’t public yet, the store locator on the official Toys R Us website is your best bet. Here are a few confirmed examples of where the chain has been popping up:

• A new store opened Aug. 31 at South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Massachusetts. Boston.com
• Orlando International Airport got a shop-in-shop in August, with a second planned for summer 2027. PR Newswire
• Toys R Us shops also sit inside roughly 400 Macy’s stores. Forbes

If you searched “Toys R Us opens new store near me” and came up empty, check again closer to the holidays. Announcements are still rolling out as of late September 2026.

What to Expect Inside a New Toys R Us Store

Details vary by location, so treat this as a general picture rather than a promise for any one store.

• Big-name brands. LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Pokémon, and KPop Demon Hunters were named as top brands. NBC News
• Creator Studios. These are dedicated spaces where toy brands and creators host events and unveil products. They’re launching first at five existing stores, including American Dream in New Jersey and Mall of America in Minnesota. Fast CompanyForbes
• Extras. Some locations will also have cafes and candy shops. Fast Company

When Toys R Us opens new store locations with extras like these, a trip can double as a family outing, not just a shopping run.

Who’s Shopping Now? Not Just Kids

Expect crowds of all ages. Adults and even teens are expected to shop for themselves alongside the usual holiday shopping for kids. If you’re buying for a collector, check whether a set is meant for display or for play. Age labels matter either way. NBC News

How to Shop Smart When Toys R Us Opens New Store Near You

A big store with wall-to-wall toys can push impulse buys. A few habits help:

1. Read the age grade on the box. Toys with small parts aren’t meant for children under 3.
2. Set a budget first. Decide on a number per child before you walk in.
3. Check size and handling. Hold it. Is it too heavy or too fiddly for the child who’ll use it?
4. Go early on a weekday. Holiday weekends get crowded, and quiet aisles make it easier to compare.
5. Ask about returns at the register. Policies vary, so don’t assume.
6. Compare with online. A quick phone check can tell you whether a price or selection makes sense.

These habits apply whether Toys R Us opens new store doors in your mall or you’re browsing any toy shop.

Best Toy Picks by Age for a First Visit

• Ages 1–3: Chunky blocks, stacking toys, and push toys with no small removable parts.
• Ages 4–7: Beginner LEGO sets, dolls, and die-cast cars like Hot Wheels.
• Ages 8–12: Bigger build sets, trading cards, and collectible lines.
• Teens and adults: Display-worthy collectibles and advanced building kits.

Since Toys R Us opens new store shelves stocked with familiar brands, kids often walk in already knowing what they want. Steer them toward the right age range before you reach the register.

Seasonal Pop-Up or Permanent? What to Know When Toys R Us Opens New Store Doors

Not every opening is permanent. Many of the new stores are expected to operate year-round, and some that were planned as holiday-only locations reportedly did well enough to stay open longer. If a local store is listed as seasonal, shop while it’s there rather than waiting for January. Forbes

Is It Worth the Trip?

For most families, yes, with realistic expectations. In-person shopping lets kids see true sizes, and you can spot flimsy packaging or tiny parts before you buy. The tradeoffs are crowds and the temptation to overspend. When Toys R Us opens new store locations near you, go with a short list and a budget.

Keep Browsing at Toys R Usa

Can’t get to a store, or want to plan before you go? Explore toys by age and category at Toys R Usa (https://www.toysrusa.com/). It’s a handy way to build a wish list before the holiday rush.

Suggested internal links:

• Best Educational Toys for Kids
• LEGO and Building Toys
• Holiday Gift Guide by Age
• Die-Cast Cars and Collectibles

 FAQ — 5 Questions & Answers

How many stores is Toys R Us opening?

The company announced 120 new standalone U.S. stores, bringing the total to 160 by the holiday season. PR Newswire

When does the new store open?

Timing varies. Some locations, such as the one in Braintree, Massachusetts, are already open, while others are still to come. Check the official store locator for your area. Boston.com

Will new Toys R Us stores stay open after the holidays?

Many are expected to. The company expects many of the new stores to operate year-round. Individual locations may differ. Forbes

Are the stores only for kids’ toys?

No. Adults and teens are expected to shop for themselves too, especially for collectibles and brands like Pokémon and LEGO. NBC News

What if there’s no store near me?

Toys R Us shops also operate inside about 400 Macy’s stores, so one may be closer than you think. Forbes