Were you a Toys “R” Us kid back in the day?
I can’t help but be nostalgic for the one in South Portland, Maine, wandering the aisles looking for Furby, Power Rangers action figures, or the new Nintendo 64 back in the ’90s. And flipping through the big toy-book catalogs? Fantastic.
Well, it looks like a bit of the past is coming back, because the Auburn Mall shared on its Facebook page that a new Toys “R” Us will be opening there soon.
Toys “R” Us Stores Opening in Maine
It’s hard to believe that the last two original Toys “R” Us stores in Bangor and South Portland both closed in 2018. That’s eight years ago!
It definitely felt like the end of an era.
Toys “R” Us technically returned to South Portland in 2022, but in a different form. The brand could be found as its own little section inside Macy’s at the Maine Mall.
But here’s the exciting news: the Auburn Mall posted some photos about a brand-new standalone store that will be “opening soon” at its location.
It’s like a piece of childhood coming back to life.
We’ll be on the lookout for any grand opening dates, and whether any other Toys “R” Us standalone stores are headed to Maine.
Is Toys “R” Us actually making a comeback?
Some major retailers of the past, like Ames or Circuit City, prominent during their day, sadly never returned, becoming little more than a fond memory for those who grew up shopping there.
It certainly seemed that was the direction for Toys “R” Us as well, and yet, there appears to be a resurgence.
After the company’s bankruptcy and liquidation, Toys “R” Us was acquired in 2021 by WHP Global, according to Forbes, and would partner with Go! Retail Group in 2023 in a push for store expansion.
Fast forward to 2026, and USA Today reported that Toys “R” Us is opening 120 new stores.
Now, will these stores stay open longer than the holiday season? Maybe, but it will likely depend on whether there’s enough demand for it year-round.
The Auburn Mall even commented on its Facebook post announcing the new store that it “depends on the community. If people shop it, they will stay. So it really is in the hands of the public.”
READ MORE: Maine’s Auburn Mall is Making a Comeback, and Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Are you excited for a Toys “R” Us return?
To have a piece of childhood back, even in its new form, is pretty awesome, so hopefully this Auburn spot does get to stick around.
I don’t want to grow up. I’m a Toys “R” Us kid.
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