Who Started Toys "R" Us? The Fascinating Story Behind the Iconic Brand

Hello there, toy enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of everyone's favorite childhood store, Toys "R" Us. But who started this legendary toy haven? Let's rewind time and meet the man who brought joy to millions of kids worldwide. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who started toys r us.

Charles Lazarus: The Man Behind the Magic

Our story begins in the bustling city of Washington, D.C., in the early 1940s. Here, a young man named Charles Lazarus was growing up in an entrepreneurial family. His father owned a furniture store, and his mother was a seamstress. It's no surprise that Charles inherited their enterprising spirit.

The Birth of Children's World

In 1948, at just 25 years old, Charles opened his first store, Children's World. It was a small, 1,000-square-foot space that sold baby furniture and juvenile products. But Charles had bigger dreams. He saw an opportunity in the growing market for children's toys and decided to expand his offerings.

The Pivot to Toys

In the late 1950s, Charles made a bold move. He closed down his Children's World stores and opened a new one, entirely dedicated to toys. He named it Toys "R" Us, inspired by the childhood expression "Toys, toys, toys!"

The new store was a hit, and by the 1960s, Toys "R" Us had grown to 12 locations along the East Coast. But Charles wasn't done yet. He had a vision to make Toys "R" Us a national phenomenon.

The Toys "R" Us We Know Today

In 1965, Charles introduced the iconic Toys "R" Us mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe. The lovable giraffe became the face of the brand, symbolizing the joy and excitement of toys. Around the same time, Charles also coined the famous Toys "R" Us tagline, "I don't want to grow up, I want to be a Toys "R" Us kid!"

By the 1970s, Toys "R" Us had become a household name, with over 100 stores across the United States. In 1978, the company went public, and just three years later, it opened its first international store in Canada.

Charles Lazarus' Legacy

Charles Lazarus passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on. He transformed the toy industry, creating a one-stop shop for all things fun and games. He turned Toys "R" Us into a beloved institution, a place where kids could let their imaginations run wild.

So, the next time you hear the jingle of a toy car or the whirr of a remote-controlled helicopter, remember the man who started it all – Charles Lazarus. He's the reason we can all say, "I don't want to grow up, I want to be a Toys "R" Us kid!"