KB Toys vs. Toys "R" Us

Attribute	KB Toys	Toys "R" Us
Founded	1922	1948
Headquarters	Pittsfield, Massachusetts	Wayne, New Jersey
Bankruptcy	2009	2018
Number of stores	Various	Various
Ownership	Defunct	Defunct

History

KB Toys was founded in 1922 by Kaufman Brothers, hence the name KB. It started as a small toy store in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and eventually grew to become one of the largest toy retailers in the United States. On the other hand, Toys "R" Us was founded in 1948 by Charles Lazarus in Washington, D.C. It started as a baby furniture store and later expanded to include toys. Both companies have a long history in the toy industry, with Toys "R" Us being more well-known globally.

Store Layout

KB Toys stores were typically smaller in size compared to Toys "R" Us. They were often located in malls or shopping centers, making them convenient for shoppers looking to pick up a toy while doing other errands. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, had larger standalone stores with a wide selection of toys and other children's products. The layout of Toys "R" Us stores was more spacious, allowing for a more immersive shopping experience.

Product Selection

KB Toys focused on offering a wide variety of toys for children of all ages. They carried popular brands as well as unique and hard-to-find toys. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, had an even larger selection of toys, games, and other children's products. They also had exclusive partnerships with certain toy manufacturers, giving them an edge in terms of product variety.

Pricing

KB Toys was known for offering competitive prices on their toys, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, sometimes had higher prices due to their larger selection and exclusive partnerships. However, both retailers often ran sales and promotions to attract customers and offer discounts on popular toys.

Customer Service

KB Toys prided itself on providing excellent customer service to shoppers. Their staff was knowledgeable about the products they carried and were always willing to help customers find the perfect toy. Toys "R" Us also had a reputation for good customer service, with friendly and helpful staff members throughout their stores. Both retailers focused on creating a positive shopping experience for families.

Online Presence

KB Toys did not have a strong online presence compared to Toys "R" Us. While they had a website for customers to browse their products, they did not offer online shopping or delivery services. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, had a robust e-commerce platform that allowed customers to shop online and have their purchases delivered to their doorstep. This gave Toys "R" Us an advantage in reaching customers who preferred to shop online.

Bankruptcy and Closure

KB Toys filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and closed all of its stores by 2009. The company struggled to compete with larger retailers and online shopping platforms. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and closed its stores in 2018. The closure of Toys "R" Us was a significant loss for the toy industry, as it was one of the largest toy retailers in the world.

Legacy

Despite their closures, both KB Toys and Toys "R" Us left a lasting legacy in the toy industry. Many people have fond memories of shopping at these stores as children and have a nostalgic attachment to the brands. While KB Toys may no longer have a physical presence, its impact on the toy industry is still felt today. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, may make a comeback in the future, as there have been talks of reviving the brand in some form.