Technology/Services

Convenience "R" Us?

Toy retailer seeks one-stop status with "c-store" offering snacks, candy, beverages
WAYNE, N.J. -- Toys "R" Us Inc. has introduced the "R" Market, a new, dedicated shop featuring an expanded assortment of consumables and commodities in select Toys "R" Us stores nationwide. Located at the front of more than 260 of the company's 585 Toys "R" Us stores, "R" Market features nearly 1,300 essential and discretionary products, including snacks, candy and beverages, as well as "quick pickups" such as paper goods and laundry and cleaning supplies.

Additionally, while Toys "R" Us stores have always been a destination for diapers, infant formula and baby food, the [image-nocss] company has increased the selection of these items through "R" Market to make it easier for parents to find everything they need for babies while shopping for must-have toys for bigger kids.

"R" Market will roll out to additional locations across the country later this year. This shop is designed to bolster the company's position as a one-stop shopping destination for families and kids. The company said it is intended "to help make shopping even more convenient for time-strapped parents." b With in-store signage featuring the iconic Toys "R" Us reversed "R" logo and a shopping cart with bursting stars, "R" Market is easily identifiable as the location for convenient pickup items, the company said.

The current assortment of commodities and consumables available in "R" Market includes:
Light Snacks, Breakfast Foods & Drinks: Parents looking to fill lunchboxes or refuel while on-the-go will find an assortment of snacks, including chips, puffs and pretzels, cookies and crackers, fruit snacks, cereals and nutrition bars from major brand names, as well as a variety of healthy munchies such as squeezable fruit and apple sauce. It also features a variety of juice boxes, kid-sized nonperishable milks and other soda alternatives perfect for snack time, as well as bulk packages of bottled water in regular and fun-sizes. Paper Goods: From hosting birthday parties to wiping up minor spills, customers will find a broad assortment of disposable paper goods available in "R" Market, including napkins, paper towels and toilet paper. Paper towels and toilet paper are also offered in bulk packages at value prices. Cleaning Supplies & Laundry Detergent: A selection of laundry detergents and fabric softeners from popular brands is also available, along with kid-friendly versions of stain removing wipes. Expanded Assortment of Essentials for Little Ones: Parents can now find an even larger assortment of basics for baby at Toys "R" Us. The "R" Market collection features a variety of diapers, wipes and changing products from major brands, including Pampers, Huggies, Seventh Generation and Earth's Best in one convenient location upon entry. Baby food and infant formula from Gerber, Earth's Best Organic, Similac, Enfamil and Nestle Good Start are also showcased, as well as nutritional items for infants, as well as snacks for toddlers and preschool-aged children. Health & Beauty Aids: From humidifiers to hand soap, this expanded collection of health and bath essentials includes first aid and wellness products. Also, "R" Market currently features the following:
Sweet Treats: In the dedicated candy section within "R" Market, customers can browse through a world of chocolate, lollipops, cotton candy, mints, and sour and hard candies. Additional treats include animal crackers, popcorn tins, giant candy bars and a wall of theater candy boxes. Toys "R" Us has also added novelty items, including marshmallow blasters, gumball machines and PEZ dispensers to make indulging in candy even more fun. Unique candy playthings, including spinning lollipops, candy necklaces and other character-themed candies can also be found in this aisle. Together Time in the Kitchen: For families hoping for homemade treats, "R" Market also offers an assortment of pizza kits and baking mixes to make cooking a cinch. Kid-Focused Consumables: Making lunchtime more enjoyable is simple with the "R" Market assortment of fizz beverages and fruit juices featuring favorite characters, and plentiful mixes of Sesame Street organic munchies from the makers of Earth's Best Organic. Making Bath Time Fun: Includes products such as motorized toothbrushes, bathtub crayons and paint. "As part of our business strategy, we are continually focused on improving the shopping experience for customers in our stores. This includes looking for new ways to provide busy parents with the convenience of finding everything they need for their kids under one roof," said Jerry Storch, chairman and CEO, Toys "R" Us. "The introduction of "R" Market offers customers a uniquely edited presentation of differentiated, kid-focused products from well-known manufacturers, as well as newer brands."

Toys "R" Us currently has 847 Toys "R" Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States.

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