Toys R Us - Definition and Overview

Toys "R" Us, Inc. (NYSE: TOY (http://www.nyse.com/about/listed/lcddata.html?ticker=TOY)) is a toy store chain based in the United States. It also operates in other countries, with around 1,500 stores world wide.

Toys "R" Us, Inc. owns two other chains: Kids "R" Us, a store that specilizes in kid's clothing, and Babies "R" Us.

Due to market pressures (primarily competition from Wal-Mart), Toys "R" Us is moving away from the toy business and focusing instead on its other chains.

The backwards R is the most distinctive part of its logo. The "R Us" name has been imitated by many other businesses, such as Tiles R Us.

In the 1970s, Geoffrey Giraffe, an anthropomorphic cartoon giraffe character was introduced as its mascot, appearing in the company's television commercials. Later, a live-action animatronic Geoffrey was used, created by Stan Winston Studios and voiced by Jim Hanks.

External links

• toysrus.com (retail, hosted by Amazon.com) (http://www.toysrus.com/)
• toysrusinc.com (corporate) (http://www.toysrusinc.com/)
• Yahoo! – Toys "R" Us, Inc. Company Profile (http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/11/11495.html)