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Headquarters: One Geoffrey Way Website: http://www.toysrus.com Toys R Us operates the nation's largest chain of toy stores and also Babies R Us stores. It currently sells merchandise in 877 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 730 international stores and over 240 licensed stores in 37 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. The company said it would close its legendary FAO Schwarz location in Manhattan on Fifth Avenue in July. Babies"R"Us is the nation’s leading dedicated baby products retailer in the juvenile industry. Since opening its first store in Westbury, NY in early 1996, the company has since grown to more than 250 locations nationwide. Babies"R"Us features a wide selection of products for newborns and infants, including cribs and furniture, car seats, strollers, formula, diapers, bedding, clothing for preemies through size 48 months, toys and plenty of unique gift ideas. Once a dominating force in toy sales, Toys R Us has faced intense competition from national chains Wal-Mart and Target which have increased their store's toy sections and offered lower prices. Also a contributing factor is the trend for children, especially boys, to spend more time playing with computer and video games instead of regular toys. Fiscal 2014 net sales for the company were $12.4 billion, an increase of $61 from the previous year. Net loss for the year was $292 million. Comparable store sales were down 1.0% in the U.S. and up 1.8% internationally. History Toys R Us traces its roots to 1948 when founder Charles Lazarus opened a baby furniture store in Washington, D.C. Lazarus quickly realized the potential of filling his customers' orders for baby toys and toys for older children. In 1957, the Toys R Us name made its debut when Lazarus introduced a "supermarket environment, " a revolutionary concept featuring specialty retailing and off-price positioning. The company became public in 1978 and quickly built its reputation as an authority on toys and children's product. Babies R Us opened its first store in Westbury, NY in May 1996 and now has 218 stores. It's a leading store for products and supplies for babies. Amazon.com had operated the Toys R Us websites in a 10-year contract but was replaced in 2006 following a dispute between the two companies. In July 2005, Toys R Us was taken private for $6.6 billion by an investment group consisting of affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), Bain Capital Partners LLC, and Vornado Realty Trust. The company is no longer publicly-traded. In August 2009, Toys R Us acquired the KB Toys brand and web address after it closed for business. The company acquired the exclusive right to operate iconic toy store FAO Schwarz in May 2009. In March 2009, the company purchased the Internet domain Toys.com. Benefits - Competitive Wages Updated June 24, 2015 |