NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — A familiar name from the childhoods of millions of Americans is making a return to Northeast Ohio.
Great Northern Mall announced Tuesday that Toys “R” Us will be among eight new businesses opening at the North Olmsted shopping center this fall.
The new Toys “R” Us location will span approximately 6,500 square feet and will be located near the mall’s Center Court.
The return of the iconic toy retailer is expected to offer a nostalgic experience for parents and grandparents who remember visiting the stores as children, while introducing a new generation to the brand and its famous mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe.
“For parents and grandparents who grew up visiting Toys R Us, the opening will bring back plenty of nostalgia, while introducing a new generation of kids to Geoffrey and the excitement of visiting a toy store,” the mall said in a media release.
The announcement marks a significant return for the brand in North Olmsted. The former free-standing Toys “R” Us location in the city closed in 2018 following the company’s bankruptcy and nationwide store closures.
While the Toys “R” Us brand has since returned to the United States, many of its current locations operate as smaller shops inside Macy’s department stores.
The Great Northern Mall location will be part of a broader expansion of new businesses coming to the shopping center.
Eight new businesses announced
In addition to Toys “R” Us, Great Northern Mall announced seven other new businesses:
- ROOKH — Full-service restaurant
- One Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot — Full-service restaurant
- King Gyro — Eatery
- O & Leaf Bistro — Eatery
- Her Hijabs — Retail store
- Fluff Factory — Interactive stuffed-animal experience
- Tier 1 — Car rental service
The new businesses are expected to add a mix of dining, retail, entertainment and services to the mall as it heads into the fall shopping season.
For longtime Northeast Ohio residents, however, the return of Toys “R” Us may be the most nostalgic addition of them all — bringing Geoffrey back to a community where generations of children once made trips to the toy store part of their childhood.
