Toys "R" Us (Toys "R" Us Inc.) TV Commercial - 2002

Toys "R" Us (Toys "R" Us Inc.) (2002)

Expansion and Availability:
- North America: Over 1000 stores worldwide with around 700 in the United States flagship Times Square location in New York City a major attraction since its 2001 opening
- International: Growing presence in Canada UK and early expansions elsewhere

Operator: Toys "R" Us Inc.

Type: Large-Format Toy Retail Chain
Media: In-Store Shopping Experience

Description and Design:
Toys "R" Us stores were vibrant toy superstores known for the iconic reversed "R" logo blue and yellow signage and Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot. Interiors featured wide aisles with high shelves packed with toys organized sections for action figures dolls video games bikes and infant items. Demo stations play areas and massive holiday displays created an immersive shopping adventure. The Times Square flagship stood out with multi-level floors animatronics and an indoor Ferris wheel.

Key Features:
- Inventory: Exclusive toys hot items like Bratz dolls Beyblade Yu-Gi-Oh cards PlayStation 2 games movie tie-ins (Treasure Planet Lilo & Stitch)
- Services: Gift wrapping layaway plans big annual holiday catalog birthday club
- Layout: Themed departments new release walls electronics section with demo consoles
- Mascot: Geoffrey the Giraffe in commercials and store events

Additional Details:
- Target Audience: Families shopping for children of all ages holiday destination

Historical Context:
In 2002 Toys "R" Us dominated toy retail with strong sales from collectibles and electronics amid the early 2000s toy boom. The Times Square store drew tourists year-round. The massive holiday catalog served as a wish book for kids nationwide. Competition from discount chains like Walmart began intensifying but Toys "R" Us remained the go-to specialty toy destination.

Did You Know?
- The Times Square flagship featured a life-size animatronic T-Rex and indoor Ferris wheel with themed cars.
- Geoffrey starred in commercials with the jingle "I don't wanna grow up I'm a Toys 'R' Us kid."
- Many stores hosted in-person Geoffrey appearances and events.
- Video game sections expanded rapidly with the PlayStation 2 era.
- The 2002 holiday season highlighted exclusives tied to major Disney and action films.

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