Toys R Us returning to Long Island sparks nostalgic memories
Toys R Us is opening its first stand-alone store on Long Island since chain's 2018 shutdown. Credit: AP/Daniel Hulshizer
Hot toys, long holiday lines and shopping trips overseen by Geoffrey the Giraffe: Toys R Us is making a nostalgic comeback. With the opening of the new Toys R Us store at Tanger Outlets Deer Park late next month, Long Islanders are sure to reflect on the history of the notable brand.
"Deer Park is going to be the perfect location for a Toys R Us flagship store because it already is such a family-friendly area that’s so busy during the holiday season," Marissa Silva, editor-in-chief of The Toy Insider, a consumer guide for parents, said Wednesday.
Here are five nostalgic, standout memories from Toys R Us on Long Island.
CABBAGE PATCH KIDS CRAZE
During the holiday season of 1983, there were long lines at Toys R Us locations in Huntington Station, Lake Grove and Commack containing frantic parents trying to obtain Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. Things got so crazy, police had to be called in for crowd control, as reported in Newsday in November 1983.
TICKLE ME ELMO
Back in December 1996, the hot toy of the holiday season was Tickle Me Elmo. The vibrating Muppet flew off the shelves retailing for $30, but the demand was so high people were selling them privately through Newsday classified ads for more than $1,500.
Nelson Perez of Huntington told Newsday’s James T. Madore in 1996 that he was determined to find a Tickle Me Elmo doll for his niece, Melissa. "I’ve been to about 50 stores and still can’t find a Tickle Me Elmo," Perez said. "I’m going crazy but I’m not going to give up." He said he was willing to pay as much as $400 for the toy.
"Going out of business" signs appeared as liquidation sales began in 2018 at the Toys R Us/Babies R Us location at the Market at Bay Shore shopping plaza. Credit: Newsday/Daysi Calavia-Robertson
MEETING GEOFFREY THE GIRAFFE
The store’s mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe would often make in-store appearances to meet and greet children, take pictures, sign autographs or simply offer a hug. "Geoffrey is an icon," Silva said. "For many people, just like the Toys R Us jingle stuck in all of our heads, when you have a recognizable brand that is going to generate a lot of excitement."
TESTING OUT TOYS
Toys R Us has a reputation for being customer friendly, allowing them hands-on access to the merchandise. "Usually at Toys R Us, you can go in to test and play with the toys in open areas," Silva noted. "Consumers have fewer options today when it comes to in-person toy shopping."
Signs at the Toys R Us in Massapequa, which went out of business in 2018. Credit: Linda Rosier
STORE CLOSINGS
When the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2017, stores began to close all over the country in the spring of 2018. This was a sad time for a place that was known for happiness.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
