Toys“R”Us® launches in Bangalore with Geoffrey the Giraffe™ and more

From photo-op with ‘Geoffrey the Giraffe™’ and iconic selfie points, to ‘Instagrammable’ Doll House and ‘I don’t want to grow up’ as a running theme, Toys“R”Us’ first store in Bangalore, just launched by retail technology company ace turtle at the Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru, is a call out to kids to come and engage in play time with a range of top global and Indian toy brands.  

Strategically timed to coincide with the start of the summer vacation, the 6,200 sq. ft store, which has the largest facade among toy stores in Bangalore, marks a significant step in ace turtle's strategic plan to expand Toys"R"Us presence in India with 12 stores in 2024. 

Toys“R”Us® currently has two operational stores in the country, which includes the retail store in Hyderabad, that marked the return of the brand to India, and the recently launched flagship store in Mumbai.

Speaking to Retail4Growth in an exclusive conversation, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle, said, “Being the first Toys“R”Us® store in Bangalore is in itself a milestone and it’s located in the newer part of Bangalore with a catchment area that has the right TG for us.”  He added, while speaking about the store, "The expansive store extends beyond a simple shopping destination; it will serve as a comprehensive recreational space for children and families, offering a wide array of toys that cater to various interests and age groups. We believe there is tremendous potential for organized toy retailing in India given the fast-growing customer base.”

Pawan Nagarwal, VP of VM & Brand Experience, ace turtle, while explaining the store’s VM concept, told Retail4Growth, “Toys“R”Us® is an  inclusive, inviting and iconic brand for toys and the store reflects what the brand stands for. Geoffrey the Giraffe™, the brand mascot, has been made an integral part of the store.” Indeed, as Pawan points out, the ‘Geoffrey Story’ on the store façade maps Geoffrey journey across the globe. There’s also the ‘Peeking Geoffrey’ figure who greets children, drawing them in.  The store window themed ‘Summer Time Fun’ with brand colours and a kinetic set-up lends a carnival feel to the store, calling out to kids to make the best of their vacation time. 

Pawan adds, while highlighting a few other aspects in the store, “The Doll House has been strategically designed right near the store as an engaging space for kids where they can experience the products very well. Also, the store navigation has been designed to be very seamless with clear categorisation, and be an inviting and accessible space for shoppers.” 

The store offers an extensive collection of top international brands such as LEGO, Hasbro, Mattel, alongside Indian brands like Playshifu, Funskool and Winmagic.  

"Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru is delighted to welcome the first store of Toys"R"Us® in Bengaluru" said Arjun Aggarwal, Vice Chairman & MD, Bhartiya Urban. "This iconic brand brings a world-class shopping experience for children and families. We are confident that it will be a favorite destination for children and parents alike. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing diverse and exciting options for our patrons, further enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of the mall," added Aggarwal.