Toys return to the mall

May 19, 2009

Toys are returning to America’s malls. The void created by the bankruptcy of KB toys is being filled by Spencer’s.

I have been told that Spencer’s will open temporary stores in malls in the months of November and December. They will carry branded, licensed and private label toys. They will build on Spencer’s already successful Spirit Halloween stores. They will test up to 40 stores this year and then, should the test prove successful, expand their store counts.

They are not the only ones looking at the malls. I have been told that Toys R Us is considering a similar move.

Let’s hope that the demise of KB and its no longer successful business model will now be replaced by a new model that brings toys back to the malls. Exposure for malls is good for the whole industry. It adds additional outlets and gives toys a high profile in a high traffic family venue.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on May 19, 2009 | Comments (4)

August 31, 2009

In response to: Toys return to the mall
Joseph J Capriccioso commented:

In most cases companies go out of business and lose the rights to their name.Kb ended their life span right before someone stepped in.With new companies to either lend them money or buy them,they still have the rights to the name as far as i know.Plus on the website 2 months ago they said they will return at some point in the future with a handful of stores to start.

August 31, 2009

In response to: Toys return to the mall
Joseph J Capriccioso commented:

Funny,I heard that KB Toys Is returning with a new business model,new ceo, and new attitude.The one question i have is When?

May 21, 2009

In response to: Toys return to the mall
Dave in PA commented:

judging by the spencers website you linked too, it's a different kind of toy they're talking about....

May 19, 2009

In response to: Toys return to the mall
Nate Scheidler commented:

As a child, I found the mall toy store to be magical. As an adult, I found them cluttered, noisy, and mis-merchandised. Just putting toys in malls isn't enough... people need to try before they buy. Electronics Boutique keeps a video game demo station, often more than one, in the front of their stores. A Mall toy store needs to make sure there is ample space to experience products as intended.