Oak Park Mall in Overland Park is bringing back the beloved 1990s toy destination Toys “R” Us as a standalone store. The mall posted the news on its Instagram account, inviting families to “relive the magic” and promising an opening date “coming soon” as the holiday season approaches.
Location and Nearby Tenants
The upcoming Toys “R” Us will occupy a space on the western side of the mall, just four doors down from the JCPenney anchor. It will sit between a Street Dept men’s clothing store and a Helzberg jewelry shop, adding a dedicated toy destination to the mall’s current lineup.
Current Toys “R” Us Presence in the Area
At present, three Toys “R” Us locations serve the Kansas City region, all operating inside Macy’s stores. One of those is already inside Oak Park Mall’s Macy’s wing, while the other two are located at the Town Center Plaza in Leawood and at Metro North Mall in Kansas City. The mall’s announcement did not clarify whether the existing in‑Macy’s shop will remain open once the new standalone store launches.
What This Means for Shoppers
For families who grew up with the iconic Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot and the catchy “Toys ‘R’ Us Kid” jingle, the new store promises a nostalgic experience alongside modern toy selections. The mall’s only other toy‑focused retailers are a Build‑A‑Bear Workshop and a Barnes & Noble Booksellers, making Toys “R” Us the premier destination for children’s gifts and holiday shopping.
Company Expansion Plans
Toys “R” Us, which once boasted more than 1,400 locations worldwide, has rebounded after a period of decline in the early 2000s when competition from larger retailers such as Target and Walmart eroded its market share. The brand now operates 40 standalone stores and additional shop‑in‑shop locations inside Macy’s. In September, the company announced an aggressive expansion strategy that will triple its footprint, targeting 120 new standalone stores to open in the coming months.
Gideon Schlessinger, CEO of Go! Retail Group – the partner behind the Toys “R” Us revival – expressed enthusiasm for the Overland Park location. “This holiday season represents an extraordinary expansion … and we couldn’t be more excited to bring the magic of Toys ‘R’ Us to so many communities across the country,” he said. He added, “There’s something special about walking into a Toys ‘R’ Us store, especially during the holidays – the excitement of discovering the hottest toys, seeing favorite brands and characters come to life.”
Community Impact
The addition of a dedicated toy retailer is expected to boost foot traffic at Oak Park Mall, supporting local jobs and providing families with a convenient, family‑friendly shopping option. With the holiday season fast approaching, the new store aims to become a centerpiece of seasonal celebrations for Overland Park residents.
While the exact opening date remains to be announced, mall officials encourage shoppers to stay tuned to the mall’s social‑media channels for updates. The revival of Toys “R” Us reflects a broader trend of nostalgic brands re‑entering the market, offering both familiar experiences for longtime fans and fresh offerings for a new generation of children.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
