Toys “R” Us Pushes Side-by-Side Format

Wayne, N.J.-based Toys “R” Us Inc. is undergoing an expansion, opening eight new stores and transforming 13 existing locations by the end of the year into its side-by-side model. The one-stop shopping destinations can be found in 21 stores across 13 states and represent the company's ongoing strategy to integrate its Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us brands together in one location.

“Our strategy has provided the opportunity to capture customers at their family's earliest stage and grow with them through childhood,” says Jerry Storch, chairman and ceo, Toys “R” Us, Inc. “We are pleased that our customers have consistently embraced the enhanced shopping experience these locations offer.”

By the end of 2012, the company expects to operate 204 side-by-side stores nationwide, accounting for nearly 25 percent of its store base across the country. During the 2012 year, the company has introduced the integrated format in the following markets:

Pinole, Calif.
Redwood City, Calif.
McDonough, Ga.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Bossier City, La.
Gastonia, N.C.
Concord, N.H.
Montrose, Ohio
West Harrisburg, Pa.
Fredericksburg, Va.

By November 2012, new and renovated will open in the following markets:

Rossmoor, Calif.
Vallejo, Calif.
Miami, Fla.
Royal Palm Beach, Fla.
Leominster, Mass.
North Raleigh, N.C.
Cherry Hill, N.J.
Rockaway, N.J.
Union, N.J.
Commack, N.Y.
Richmond, Va.

As part of its business strategy, the retailer has implemented several sustainable design initiatives to conserve energy, minimize waste and reduce its stores' overall impact on the environment. These features include an Energy Management System that monitors environmental conditions and adjusts temperature, lighting and CO2 levels throughout the store in order to utilize natural light and reduce energy consumption; custom daylight harvesting system; LED light fixtures; low-flow water closets and urinals and automatic faucets and flush valves; high efficiency automatic hand dryers; and low-VOC paints.