One of North America’s most well-known toy store chains is returning to Greater Victoria this fall in a new location at Uptown Shopping Centre.
Toys “R” Us Canada announced Wednesday that the chain is coming to the mall at 3600 Uptown Blvd. this October — after shuttering its decades-old store at nearby Mayfair Shopping Centre earlier this year.
In a news release, Toys “R” Us says the new store will measure about 25,000-square-feet and is one of nine locations opening this year nationwide, including in the capital region, Burnaby and Kamloops, in addition to two Babies “R” Us stores in Alberta.
“Our new locations will have an elevated in-store experience with bigger retail shops from our vendor partners,” said Doug Putman in the release.
Putman’s company, Putman Investments, announced in August 2021 that it had purchased Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us from Fairfax Financial after the holdings company filed for bankruptcy two years prior with plans to close 180 outlets.
SEE PREVIOUS STORY: After three decades, Toys “R” Us to shutter Mayfair Mall location
While Canadian stores stayed open, Toys “R” Us Mayfair would later close its doors for good on Jan. 2, 2023, after operating there for nearly 30 years, a mall spokesperson confirmed to CHEK News at the time.
Putman is also venturing into home decor, having acquired “the majority” of Canadian Bed Bath & Beyond locations, including in Victoria at 775 Finlayson St., to open rooms + spaces sometime this summer.
“With rooms + spaces now part of Doug Putman’s portfolio of retail brands, there will be even more opportunity to partner with our vendors to bring new and unexpected brands and products into our stores,” said Toy “R” Us’ vice president of merchandising Nick Muriella.
READ ALSO: Struggling Bed Bath & Beyond files for bankruptcy protection
On Vancouver Island, a Toys “R” Us is also at Woodgrove Mall in Nanaimo.
Putman says when the up-and-coming stores open, there will be 107 across Canada with plans to hire 30 to 40 associates to “come play with us” at each new location.
Ethan Morneau
