For generations of Jackson-area children, a trip to Toys “R” Us on County Line Road was about as exciting as it got.
The store was a massive toy chest where kids could wander through aisles of dolls, action figures, video games, and other toys, while parents watched their children’s faces light up at the possibilities.
That location, like the rest of the company’s U.S. stores, eventually closed in 2018 after Toys “R” Us filed for bankruptcy and was unable to overcome billions of dollars in debt and increasing competition from other retailers and online shopping.
Now, nearly a decade later, Toys “R” Us is returning to Mississippi.
The retailer announced in September that it is opening 120 new standalone stores across the country this holiday season in partnership with Go! Retail Group. The expansion will bring the total number of standalone Toys “R” Us stores in the U.S. to 160.
Mississippi’s new location will be at The Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, about 12 miles south of the former County Line Road location.
The new Toys “R” Us will occupy a 4,645-square-foot space in Suite 300, next to the shopping center’s playground and across from The Children’s Place.
When does Toys ‘R’ Us return to Mississippi?
Kathy Hackshaw, director of retail at The Outlets of Mississippi, confirmed the new Toys “R” Us will open Monday, Oct. 5.
The store is one of three new retailers coming to The Outlets of Mississippi.
Clarks, the longtime footwear company, is slated to open in Suite 230 next to the Nike store and is expected to open by the end of the year. Spirit Halloween has already opened in Suite 510 next to Five Below.
What will the new Toys ‘R’ Us sell?
The new standalone stores will feature toys, collectibles, and gifts from some of the biggest names in the industry, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Pokémon, and “KPop Demon Hunters,” according to Toys “R” Us.
READ MORE: Mississippi’s first official LEGO store coming to Ridgeland
Shoppers can also expect products from brands such as Melissa & Doug and Matchbox, along with plush toys, action figures, dolls, learning games, and building blocks.
The company says select stores will offer additional experiences, including Creator Studios where influencers, content creators, and toy brands can film content, unveil products, and host toy reveals, launches, and other events.
Some locations will also feature candy shops and cafés.
It has not been announced whether the Pearl location will have any of those additional features.
Will there be other Mississippi locations?
For now, Pearl is the only new standalone Toys “R” Us location announced for Mississippi.
Toys “R” Us also has expanded its presence through other retail formats, including shops inside Macy’s stores, airports, and Navy Exchange locations. The company says it has about 400 Toys “R” Us shops inside Macy’s stores nationwide, though Mississippi does not have a Macy’s.
The retailer’s current store locator does not list another standalone Mississippi location beyond the new Pearl store.
Toys “R” Us has also partnered with the Navy Exchange Service Command to offer products at Navy Exchange facilities. Mississippi is home to Navy Exchange facilities in Gulfport and Meridian.
How did Toys ‘R’ Us climb out of bankruptcy?
Toys “R” Us filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2017 while carrying roughly $5 billion in debt. The company ultimately liquidated its U.S. operations and closed its remaining stores in 2018.
The brand began rebuilding its U.S. presence in the years that followed.
WHP Global acquired a controlling interest in Toys “R” Us in 2021 and began expanding the brand again. A flagship store opened in the American Dream mall in New Jersey that December, followed by a nationwide expansion of Toys “R” Us shops inside Macy’s stores beginning in 2022.
The company later partnered with Go! Retail Group to expand its standalone store footprint.
Now, the latest expansion will bring 120 additional standalone stores to communities across the country, with all expected to be open by the 2026 holiday season.
“This is a major moment for Toys ‘R’ Us as we significantly expand our presence across the United States,” said Jamie Uitdenhowen, executive vice president of Toys “R” Us at WHP Global. “Together with our incredible partners, we are growing Toys ‘R’ Us in unique ways to meet customers wherever they are, whether that’s at a standalone store in their hometown, inside Macy’s, at the airport, or at a Navy Exchange.”
For Mississippi shoppers who remember the County Line Road store, the return will bring the Toys “R” Us name back to the Jackson metro just in time for the holiday shopping season.