There appear to be some signs of life!
Toys 'R' Us plans to return in the United StatesThe article seems to indicate that the new store locations will be significantly smaller, possibly something that would work in a mall setting. Starting with only two locations is notable because you've got to think that TruKids will launch very strategically and with locations that will give it some level of profile.
With the American Dream Mall set to open in East Rutherford, NJ some time later this year, I'm kind of wondering if they're considering that for a location? It's going to be one of the two largest malls in the United States. And it's also supposed to have a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, a concept that would lend itself heartily to a toy store.
The numbers are also interesting: two stores for the launch. The company that owns / is developing American Dream is also the company behind the Mall of America in Minnesota, which is on record as the biggest mall in the country and ALSO had a Nickelodeon Universe theme park. And the Mall of America, which is pretty well known nationally, would make for a solid second location.
All of this, combined with the New Jersey location being close to Paramus, NJ (the highest grossing town for retailers in the United States) gives me a some degree of hope that these could be the places where TruKids relaunches. Depending on how these test locations perform, it could have significant impact on the rollout for the rest of the chain.