Toys “R” Us Makes a Nostalgic Comeback in Lubbock With Pop-Up Store

Toys “R” Us has made its return to Lubbock, which is noteworthy because it comes seven years after the retailer closed its doors in 2018. The new pop-up store opened on Monday at South Plains Mall, conveniently situated at 6002 Slide Road, nestled between Tilly’s and Windsor.

As shoppers made their way to the South Plains Mall this week, they were met with the nostalgic sight of Geoffrey the Giraffe, adorned with his iconic orange spots, alongside an array of plush toys, puzzles, and collectibles. This heartwarming scene marked a return that many West Texans had not experienced since the beloved Lubbock location closed following the company's bankruptcy in 2018.

“For many, it brings back fond memories,” remarked Steven Sosa, the store manager. “For some of the younger generation, visiting a Toys ‘R’ Us is an entirely new experience.” For many of us who have been fans for years, it evokes a sense of nostalgia.

The grand opening of the new store features enticing promotional offers, including a buy-one-get-one 50 percent off sale on plush toys and Funko Pop figures, which is anticipated to last for several weeks. Employees indicated that the Lubbock site will initially operate as a temporary pop-up location, with the potential for permanence depending on customer turnout.

“Our expectation is that this will pave the way for a lasting outcome,” stated Carrie Hernandez, another store manager.

The reopening will be an important event for Toys “R” Us, which is gradually making its way back into the national spotlight under the stewardship of WHP Global, the brand management firm that acquired its parent company, Tru Kids Inc., in 2021. Toys “R” Us has since ventured into innovative store formats, launching mini-shops within Macy’s locations nationwide.

The Lubbock pop-up signifies one of the notable stand-alone comebacks in Texas, a state that once boasted numerous stores for the brand prior to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September 2017. The company found itself burdened with over $5 billion in debt, grappling with fierce competition from retail behemoths like Walmart and Target, alongside the growing trend of online shopping.

The original Toys “R” Us store in Lubbock, situated at 6101 Slide Road, served the community for approximately three decades before closing its doors during the company's nationwide liquidation in 2018. The void left behind evokes a sense of nostalgia for countless generations who fondly remember singing along to the chain’s beloved jingle, “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid.”