Geoffrey's Magical Place - My Home
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Toys "R" Us opened its first UK stores 25 Christmas seasons ago and these were the first wholly owned stores outside North America.
The original US company was started in 1948 by Charles Lazarus.
I made my first appearance nearly 50 years ago, I don't look bad for a 50 year old Giraffe now do I? Find out more about me by clicking on my picture to the right...
The company has a very distinct identity in the UK having evolved from toy stores to family leisure product megastores stocking not just toys but a huge array of bikes, outdoor play equipment and video games as well as electronic gadgets ranging from i-pods and TV’s to mobile phones and DVD Players. Within all 75 stores customers will also find Babies "R" Us, with absolutely everything for the new Mum to be.
On a worldwide basis Toys "R" Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer... it currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores around the world including 847 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the USA, plus more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed, wholly owned and franchised stores. Check out the funny videos we have found from our cousins around the world by clicking on the 'World' button.
Toys "R" Us Inc became a private company in July 2005 when an investment group consisting of affiliates of Bain Capital Partners LLC, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), and Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE: VNO) completed the acquisition of Toys "R" Us Inc.
In May 2009, Toys "R" Us, Inc. acquired FAO Schwarz, one of the most iconic children’s retailers in the world and a brand synonymous with quality and innovation. Together, Toys "R" Us and FAO Schwarz have a combined 208-year history!
Here is a little timeline of our time in the UK. it shows how many stores we have had since we first opened in 1985 - check me out running 'up the curve' - I'm on a gallop past 1991...
