Toys R Us is hoping the recession will not be a Grinch and keep Santa from delivering his gifts this Christmas. Just in case, however, the toy store chain, plans to open some 350 so-called "express" stores across the country. The pop-up locations will include 80 standalone express shops in shopping centers and malls. The remaining stores will take up residence inside existing Babies R Us stores.
According to a Toys R Us spokesperon, two "express" stores -- one in White Marsh Mall and a second at the Mall in Columbia -- will open their doors temporarily by the end of October. The company may open other locations in and around Baltimore as well.
The toy retailer expects to hire about 1,000 workers to staff for the 4,000 square foot Holiday Express stores. Babies R Us express stores will occupy about 2,500 square feet, roughly three times the space normally set aside for toys in those stores.
The temporary locations will shut down by mid-January.
Source: Toys R Us
Writer: Walaika Haskins