January 25, 2021
Toys “R” Us data:
§ Wal-Mart replaced Toys “R” Us as the largest US toy seller more than a decade ago
§ Toys “R” Us’ strategy is not to compete on price but to compete on service and selection, including high-end toy products (via it’s F.A.O Schwarz acquisition)
§ 849: U.S. Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us
§ 700: International stores
Strategic Brilliance or Blunder: Brilliance
§ Introduced to Zhu Zhu Pets (fake hamsters) at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair in 2008
§ Key competitive move #1: Determined market response
§ Key competitive move #2: Determined how to make the Zhu Zhu the 09 Christmas story
§ Key competitive move #3: In August 2009, placed large order with Zhu Zhu Pets maker (Cepia, an Australian firm) in preparation for Christmas 2009 shopping season
Source(s): NYT