Toys “R” Us plants its flag in Latin America

Regional partner Cotton Candy International will open and operate several new TRU locations next year, starting with a flagship store in Panama.
December 17, 2024

Iconic toy retailer Toys “R” Us is expanding into Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time through a new partnership between parentco WHP Global and Panama-based toy distributor Cotton Candy International. 

Cotton Candy will open the first TRU flagship store in Panama next year, and additional toy stores and Babies “R” Us locations are planned to roll out more widely in the region throughout 2025. The core shopping experience at these stores will also feature a wide range of interactive experiences and play zones where kids can try out the latest toys and games on the market before parents make a purchase. 

WHP CCO Stanley Silverstein says this TRU expansion is part of a larger strategy to bring the company’s brands into several new markets. Following its revival in 2022, the toy retailer has expanded its operations to cover 32 countries. 

In other TRU news, Boston-based asset lending firm Gordon Brothers has provided Toys “R” Us Canada owner Putman Investments with US$84 million (CDN$120 million) in additional financing to support the retailer’s operations. This announcement comes as the toy chain prepares to close several locations in Ontario and Quebec in the coming weeks due to weakening sales. 

About The Author

Search

Menu

Brand Menu