Auburn Hills, Michigan, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Toys ‘R’ Us has reopened two new seasonal stores in Michigan, marking the return of the brand to metro Detroit after seven years. The new locations at Great Lakes Crossing and Twelve Oaks Mall are part of over 30 new stores opening nationwide for the holiday season. With this expansion, the company aims to revitalize its presence in the retail market, featuring popular toy brands to attract families and gift-givers this holiday season.
Auburn Hills, Michigan – Toys “R” Us Reopens Seasonal Stores
Toys “R” Us has opened two new seasonal stores in metro Detroit at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills and Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi. This marks the first time in seven years that shoppers in metro Detroit can buy toys at a Toys “R” Us location.
The new stores are part of more than 30 new Toys “R” Us locations opening nationwide for the holiday season. The expansion includes over 20 temporary seasonal stores and eight permanent flagship stores across the U.S. These openings highlight Toys “R” Us’s strategy to re-establish itself in the retail market as the holiday shopping season approaches.
Executive Insights on the Expansion
Jamie Uitdenhowen, executive vice president of Toys “R” Us at WHP Global, expressed excitement about the expansion and the joyful shopping experience the brand embodies. This launch is critical for the company as it tries to rekindle the childhood nostalgia associated with its brand and attract both new and returning customers.
A Brief History of Toys “R” Us in Michigan
Toys “R” Us previously closed all its Michigan locations amid bankruptcy in 2018, including six stores. The decision to expand comes as Toys “R” Us aims to improve sales after struggling financially for several years. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017 and announced the closure of more than 700 stores nationwide by 2018.
Recent Attempts at Reviving the Brand
Attempts at comebacks under new ownership have not been successful until now; the most recent flagship store opened in Minnesota’s Mall of America in 2023. Currently, Toys “R” Us operates in partnership with Macy’s, with branded locations within 10 Macy’s stores in Michigan. Since its original closure, the brand has continually worked on strategies to regain its footing in the market.
Future Plans
In addition to the two seasonal stores in Michigan, Toys “R” Us is set to announce more locations throughout the holiday season. This initiative is a part of a broader attempt to rejuvenate the brand image by reintroducing it in key markets and leveraging the holiday shopping frenzy to maximize sales.
Product Offerings
Toys “R” Us features popular toy brands in its stores, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, NERF, and Paw Patrol. The variety and quality of products available are expected to attract families and gift-givers alike during the holiday rush.
Conclusion
The reopening of Toys “R” Us seasonal stores in metro Detroit signals a significant step in the brand’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its position in the toy retail sector. With a fresh approach to seasonal shopping experiences and strategic collaborations, the company aims to make a lasting impact this holiday season and beyond.
FAQ
Q: Where are the new Toys “R” Us locations in metro Detroit?
A: Toys “R” Us has opened two new seasonal stores in metro Detroit at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills and Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi.
Q: When did Toys “R” Us last operate physical stores in Michigan?
A: This marks the first time in seven years that shoppers in metro Detroit can buy toys at a Toys “R” Us location.
Q: How many new Toys “R” Us locations are opening nationwide this holiday season?
A: The new stores are part of more than 30 new Toys “R” Us locations opening nationwide for the holiday season.
Q: What has been the recent history of Toys “R” Us?
A: Toys “R” Us previously closed all its Michigan locations amid bankruptcy in 2018, including six stores.
Q: What does the expansion plan include?
A: The expansion includes over 20 temporary seasonal stores and eight permanent flagship stores across the U.S.
Q: What brands can shoppers expect to find at Toys “R” Us?
A: Toys “R” Us features popular toy brands in its stores, including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, NERF, and Paw Patrol.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Store Locations | Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills), Twelve Oaks Mall (Novi) |
| Time Since Last Store Closure | Seven years |
| New Stores Nationwide | More than 30 locations opening for the holiday season |
| Products Featured | LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, NERF, Paw Patrol |
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Toys “R” Us Reopens Seasonal Stores in Michigan
- IndyStar: Where is Toys “R” Us Near Me? Indiana New Store Openings List
- USA Today: Toys “R” Us Opening New Stores for 2025
- MLive: Toys “R” Us Continues Comeback with New Stores
- CoStar: Toys “R” Us Steps Up US Store Rollouts
- Wikipedia: Toys “R” Us
- Google Search: Toys R Us News
- Google Scholar: Toys R Us
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Toys “R” Us
- Google News: Toys R Us
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
