Toys ‘R’ Us to open new store in Fayetteville

Toys ‘R’ Us plans to open a shop at the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville. The brand returns to the Natural State more than eight years following statewide closures. The company posted a list of dozens of new locations on Instagram on Monday.

The post follows a national expansion plan announced in September. The company plans to open 120 standalone stores nationwide by the holiday season. Officials have not provided an opening date for the Fayetteville store.

According to the September release, the new stores will build on existing operations. The seller currently operates 40 standalone shops alongside sections inside Macy’s stores. Expansion continues nationwide.

“Together with our incredible partners, we are growing Toys”R”Us in unique ways to meet customers wherever they are, whether that’s at a standalone store in their hometown, inside Macy’s, at the airport or at a Navy Exchange,” Jamie Uitdenhowen, executive vice president of Toys ‘R’ Us at WHP Global, said.

The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017. All company store branches closed the following year. Previous regional shops operated in Fayetteville and Fort Smith within Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows a business to reorganize debts and continue regular commercial operations. Regional shopping malls host multiple retail tenants under a single roof. Store chains often announce new locations before busy shopping seasons.

Toys ‘R’ Us stated that more store locations will be announced at later dates. Future openings remain planned.