Toys"R"Us Canada is gearing up for the festive rush by inaugurating 10 new stores, including two pioneering stand-alone Babies"R"Us outlets. This move, which adds over 300,000-square-feet of retail space, brings the total count of the toy giant's locations to 105 nationwide. This strategic expansion aligns with the Retail Council of Canada's report indicating a significant shift: 81% of Canadians now prefer in-store shopping over online purchases, a stark contrast to the 41% recorded in 2022.
Doug Putman of Putman Investments remarked on the trend, "The Canadian consumer is eager to return to in-store shopping. Our new leases enable us to tap into existing markets and explore new ones."
To mark the occasion, grand opening festivities are slated for October 13th-15th, featuring a plethora of activities, character visits, and exclusive deals. Nick Muriella, Vice President of Merchandising & Supply Chain, expressed enthusiasm about the timing, emphasizing the brand's readiness to cater to the holiday demand.
The new stores are strategically located across provinces, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. As the holiday season approaches, Toys"R"Us also teases the release of its much-awaited Top Toy list.
Iconic Toy Retailer Expansions
Toys"R"Us Canada Amplifies Retail Presence Ahead of Holiday Season
Trend Themes
1. Brick-and-mortar Resurgence - The notable increase in physical store openings reflects a revival in consumer preference for in-person shopping experiences.
2. Holiday Retail Expansion - Strategic store openings aligned with the holiday season indicate an emphasis on capturing peak retail activity periods.
3. Specialty Store Growth - Introducing stand-alone Babies
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry is seeing a transformative shift with a strong return to physical store popularity among consumers.
2. Toys and Games - Toy retailers are capitalizing on seasonal demand and consumer trends to expand their footprint and drive sales growth.
3. Supply Chain Management - Effective supply chain strategies are essential to support the rapid expansion of physical retail locations in the current market.