NILES, Ohio – The Toys “R” Us brand will return to the Eastwood Mall Complex in time for the holiday season, the Cafaro Co. announced Monday.
Toys “R” Us, which is operated by Go! Retail Group, will open in early October in the JCPenney concourse, across from American Eagle, according to a news release issued by the Niles-based real estate developer. The store is one of 120 standalone locations that the brand, which is owned by WHP, announced plans last week to open across the country in time for the holiday shopping season.
The toy retailer, which operated stores in the Great East Plaza in Niles and on U.S. Route 224 in Boardman, filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017 and closed its U.S. stores the following year. WHP acquired the brand in 2021 and announced its partnership with Go! Retail in 2023.
Since then, the brand has operated as a department within Macy’s Department store locations, including at Eastwood and Boardman’s Southern Park Mall.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of Toys “R” Us to more families this season, creating an easy and fun shopping destination,” Alex Winkelman, Go! Retail executive vice president for business development, said in the news release. “From the hottest toys of the year to a convenient, family-friendly shopping experience, our Toys “R” Us shops are designed to spread joy and make gift-giving simple.”
The new Eastwood store will be more than 6,800 square feet, said Johnny Chechitelli, Eastwood Mall regional director of marketing and communications. That will be just over a fifth of the space at the former Great East Plaza store, which was more than 31,000 square feet.
The store will feature “a curated selection of family favorites – from arts and crafts, action figures and puzzles to electronics, books and games – designed to spark fun for kids of all ages, making it a one-stop destination for every holiday wish list,” according to the news release. Brands offered will include LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, NERF and PAW Patrol.
“For those of us Toys “R” Us kids, who are now grown up with children of our own, seeing Geoffrey the Giraffe brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement as we head into the holiday season,” Chechitelli said. “Toys “R” Us remains one of the most iconic names in retail, and we’re excited to introduce a dedicated Toys “R” Us shop at Eastwood Mall. The brand’s appeal spans generations, making it a natural addition to the family experiences our guests know and love.”