Current number of Toys 'R' Us locations worldwide
As of the most recent public information, Toys 'R' Us operates a small number of stores globally under licensed and partnership models. The vast majority of original U.S. stores closed after the 2017 bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation sales. Today, a handful of locations in the United States remain open via licensing agreements, and a few small clusters of stores operate in other countries under franchise or partnership arrangements. The brand no longer maintains its large-scale, big-box presence it once had. There is no single global count, but the number is in the low dozens at most, concentrated in a few international markets and a very small U.S. footprint.
Toys 'R' Us bankruptcy and closures: what happened
2017 Chapter 11 filing and debt load
In September 2017, Toys 'R' Us filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, citing rising competition from e-commerce and big-box retailers, as well as substantial debt. At the time, the company operated more than 1,600 U.S. stores under the Toys 'R' Us and Babies 'R' Us banners. The restructuring process led to the closure of hundreds of stores and the eventual liquidation of most locations. The U.S. bankruptcy court approved a sale of the brand's intellectual property assets in 2019, enabling third parties to open new stores under license in limited markets.
Store count decline timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s peak | Global store count exceeds 1,500 | Reflects scale and household-name recognition pre-digital shift |
| 2017 | U.S. Chapter 11 filing; start of closures | Debt and competition trigger widespread shutdowns |
| 2018–2019 | Liquidation of majority of U.S. stores | Most locations permanently close; leases surrendered |
| 2019 onward | Licensed and partnership stores open in a few regions | Brand returns in limited form, no large-format presence |
Where Toys 'R' Us stores exist today
United States: licensed and pop-up style locations
In the United States, the Toys 'R' Us name lives on through a small number of licensed stores and occasional seasonal pop-ups. These are typically smaller-format shops inside larger retailers, airport locations, or holiday pop-ups in malls. They are not part of the original big-box chain and do not carry the same breadth of inventory. The number of these U.S. locations fluctuates and is usually in the low double digits at any given time.
International markets: franchises and partnerships
Outside the United States, a handful of markets retain a Toys 'R' Us presence through franchise or partnership agreements. These stores may be branded as Toys 'R' Us but are independently owned and operated, and they often carry localized assortments. Notable markets with occasional clusters include parts of Asia and the Middle East, where the brand recognition remains strong. Even in these regions, the scale is far smaller than the pre-2017 footprint, and many countries have no Toys 'R' Us stores at all.
Why so few stores remain: the business and retail shifts
Three major forces explain the near-disappearance of Toys 'R' Us: debt and financial fragility before 2017, the rapid rise of online toy sales, and changing consumer shopping habits. The company’s heavy leverage left it vulnerable when sales softened, and competitors with stronger balance sheets captured market share both online and in larger physical formats. E-commerce platforms offered convenience and price transparency, while big-box and warehouse clubs leveraged one-stop shopping and lower prices on toy assortments. In this environment, the large-format toy superstore struggled to justify its cost structure, leading to the widespread exit of stores.
How to check whether a Toys 'R' Us location is still open
Because the remaining stores are limited and sometimes seasonal, it is best to verify in real time before visiting. The primary official source is the Toys 'R' Us website, which occasionally lists store locators for licensed or pop-up locations. You can also call the brand’s general contact line for current information. Before you go, confirm the address, hours, and inventory availability, as these can change quickly, especially for holiday pop-ups and temporary partnerships.
What this means for shoppers and collectors
For many shoppers, the decline of Toys 'R' Us means fewer one-stop physical options for toy shopping and a shift toward online and specialized retailers. Collectors of Toys 'R' Us exclusive items may focus on secondary marketplaces and archival releases, while families may rely more on big-box stores, warehouse clubs, and e-commerce platforms. The brand’s reduced footprint also places more importance on third-party sellers on online marketplaces, making it helpful to check seller ratings and return policies. When shopping for toys, comparing total cost, shipping, and return flexibility remains the most reliable approach.