The return of the Toys R Us kid! Long Islanders who grew up begging their parents for a trip to Toys R Us can rejoice, the beloved toy retailer is officially returning with a brand-new flagship store at Tanger Outlets Deer Park.
The company announced that Deer Park will be one of more than 30 new Toys R Us locations opening across the United States as part of a major expansion of both full-scale stores and seasonal holiday shops. The rollout, described by the company as a “significant milestone” in its growth, marks a new chapter for the brand that has been steadily rebuilding since its 2017 bankruptcy.
“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 of Toys R Us at WHP Global. “This next phase of growth brings the magic of Toys R Us to even more communities across the country—just in time for the holidays and delivers the joyful shopping experience that has made us a trusted destination for generations.”
The new flagship stores, including the one in Deer Park, are designed as family-friendly destinations filled with the season’s most popular toy brands such as LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, NERF, and Paw Patrol. The locations aim to recapture the excitement of traditional toy shopping while delivering a modern, easy-to-navigate retail experience for both kids and parents.
According to Toys R Us, the Deer Park flagship joins a select list of new major openings that also includes stores in Illinois, California, Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado. Additional seasonal holiday shops are opening nationwide, with more locations expected to be announced throughout the holiday season.
This latest expansion underscores Toys R Us’ renewed presence in the U.S. market. Since being acquired by WHP Global in 2021, the brand has opened flagship locations at major retail hubs like American Dream in New Jersey and the Mall of America, while also setting up shop inside every Macy’s store across the country.
The Deer Park flagship represents the company’s first major standalone return to Long Island in years, bringing with it a full-scale version of the store many Islanders remember from childhood. With its opening expected before the height of holiday shopping, it’s clear that Toys R Us is betting big on nostalgia—and Long Island families—this season.
Image: Toys”R”Us flagship store. Image courtesy of Go! Retail Group.
