The iconic store returning to Australia – but this time it's different
A year after it went into liquidation, the iconic toy store is making its way back to Australia.
After striking up an agreement with US parent company Tru Kids Inc, Hobby Warehouse will start to use Toys R Us and Babies R Us branding.
But it comes with a catch. The warehouse format the brand was known for will no longer be in place. Instead the online focus will be supplemented by “small and fewer physical ‘experience centres’ that allow children and their families and friends” to look and feel the items.
The company will be reintroduced to Australia as an online retailer, making its way to New Zealand for the first time.
The website is set to go live on June 12.
Toys R Us and Babies R Us closed their doors in July last year, leaving close to 700 people without jobs.
The company also went under in the United States in March last year.
Hobby Warehouse will continue to sell hobby products to adults and teenagers despite the takeover.