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Tanger Deer Park is about to feel a little more like the good old days.
The iconic Toys “R” Us — the store that made generations of kids sing “I don’t want to grow up” — is coming back to Long Island this holiday season, with a brand-new flagship location opening in the former Forever 21 space.
An exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but the grand opening is expected in late November, just in time for the holiday rush.
And no, this isn’t a holiday popup shop.
Inside, shoppers will find the full nostalgic experience — interactive play zones, photo ops with Geoffrey the Giraffe, and shelves stocked with holiday favorites from LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels and more.
Until now, the closest full-scale Toys “R” Us store has been the flagship at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, N.J., across the lot from MetLife Stadium.
This will mark the brand’s first stand-alone Long Island location since 2018, when Toys “R” Us shuttered all U.S. stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
At the time, the Island was home to 12 Toys “R” Us and four Babies “R” Us stores.
In 2021, WHP Global acquired the brand, and a year later began rolling out mini Toys “R” Us shops inside Macy’s.
But now, the company is going bigger again — eight new flagship stores — is what the company is calling them — are opening nationwide, including Deer Park, as part of a major retail comeback.
Following the strong performance of its initial launch of the flagship stores, Toys “R” Us is expanding through its partnership with Go! Retail Group.
“Following the tremendous success of our Toys ‘R’ Us flagship stores, we’re thrilled to continue expanding through our partnership with Go! Retail Group,” said Jamie Uitdenhowen, executive vice president Toys “R” Us at WHP Global, in a press announcement. “This next phase of growth brings the magic of Toys ‘R’ Us to even more communities — just in time for the holidays — and delivers the joyful shopping experience that has made us a trusted destination for generations.”
“This holiday marks an important step in our expansion strategy,” added Gideon Schlessinger, CEO of Go! Retail Group. “Through both flagship stores and seasonal holiday shops, we are delivering the same experience nationwide.”
According to the company, the goal is simple — to reignite the magic of toy shopping for a new generation. All that, while bringing longtime fans back through the doors. You know, the people who grew up.
Top: Toys”R”Us flagship store. Image courtesy of Go! Retail Group.
