Toys R Us is expanding rapidly in the United States, announcing plans to open 120 new standalone stores before the 2026 holiday shopping season.
The announcement creates a striking contrast for Canadian shoppers, as the separate Toys R Us Canada business remains under creditor protection and is operating a much smaller retail network.
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Toys R Us targets 120 new U.S. locations
The U.S. expansion was announced on September 17, 2026, through a partnership with Go! Retail Group.
The rollout is expected to bring the brand’s U.S. standalone store count to 160 by the holiday season, compared with 40 existing standalone locations.
The U.S. business also operates Toys R Us sections inside Macy’s stores, along with shop-in-shop locations connected to travel retail and the Navy Exchange Service Command.
The new stores are expected to carry major toy and entertainment brands, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Pokémon and KPop Demon Hunters.
Some locations will add candy shops, cafés and Creator Studios designed for influencers, toy companies and product-launch events.
The expansion is being led by Toys R Us owner WHP Global and Go! Retail Group, which operates pop-up and year-round retail concepts.
Why the announcement matters in Canada
The U.S. growth comes as Toys R Us Canada faces a very different business situation.
Toys R Us Canada received an initial order under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act on February 3, 2026, with Alvarez & Marsal Canada appointed as the court-appointed monitor.
The Canadian proceedings remain active, according to records maintained by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada.
The Canadian retailer’s website currently says online checkout is temporarily unavailable while the company upgrades its platform.
The company says online purchasing is expected to return later in 2026, while in-store promotions, returns and exchanges continue under its stated policies.
The website currently highlights locations in Hamilton, Winnipeg’s Polo Park, Regina, Sarnia, Sherway Gardens, South Edmonton and one additional Canadian location listed through its store pages.
The displayed store information may change as the restructuring process develops, so shoppers should confirm hours and availability before travelling.
Separate companies, different retail strategies
The U.S. and Canadian operations should not be treated as one unified chain for purposes of store openings or financial status.
The U.S. business is using a combination of standalone stores, temporary holiday locations, department-store partnerships and airport retail to rebuild its physical presence.
Canada’s operation, by contrast, is dealing with creditor-protection proceedings, store closures and an interrupted online shopping service.
That distinction means the U.S. announcement does not confirm that new Toys R Us stores are coming to Canada.
It also means Canadian customers should not assume that U.S. promotions, store policies, gift cards or inventory arrangements automatically apply north of the border.
What shoppers can expect this holiday season
For U.S. shoppers, the expansion is designed to put more physical toy stores in shopping centres and other high-traffic retail locations ahead of the holiday season.
For Canadians, the immediate practical question is whether the local business can stabilize its remaining stores and restore online ordering.
The Canadian website continues to direct shoppers toward in-store purchasing while promising further updates through website banners, email and social media.
Families planning major holiday purchases may want to check product availability, store hours, return rules and payment options directly with the Canadian retailer before completing a purchase.
The expansion also shows how the Toys R Us brand is being rebuilt through multiple operators and retail formats rather than through a simple return to the large U.S. chain that existed before its 2017 bankruptcy filing.
Whether the strategy can produce a durable year-round business will depend on store traffic, holiday sales, supplier relationships and the company’s ability to compete with large general retailers and online marketplaces.
What happens next
The first priority for the U.S. operation is opening the announced stores in time for holiday demand.
The company also plans to continue expanding airport locations, including additional retail space at Orlando International Airport.
In Canada, the next major developments are expected to come through court filings, monitor reports and updates from Toys R Us Canada.
Until the Canadian restructuring process is resolved, the U.S. comeback should be viewed as a separate expansion story rather than evidence of a wider Canadian relaunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new Toys R Us stores are planned in the United States?
Toys R Us says 120 new standalone U.S. stores are planned for the 2026 holiday season.
Will the new Toys R Us stores open in Canada?
The announcement applies to the United States and does not confirm any new Canadian locations.
Is Toys R Us Canada still under creditor protection?
Yes. Toys R Us Canada received an initial CCAA order on February 3, 2026, and the proceedings remain active.
Can Canadians shop online at Toys R Us right now?
The Canadian website says online checkout is temporarily unavailable while the platform is being upgraded, with online purchasing expected to return later in 2026.
Can Canadians still shop at Toys R Us stores?
The company says customers can continue shopping at participating Canadian stores, although shoppers should confirm current hours, inventory and location status before visiting.
Fact-Checked: Key store, restructuring and online-shopping details were checked against Toys R Us corporate information, court-monitor materials and Government of Canada CCAA records.
Disclaimer: Store availability, online ordering and restructuring outcomes may change as Toys R Us Canada’s proceedings continue.