Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. Says The Future Belongs To Retailers That Build The Best Consumer-Facing Network Across All Channels During Keynote Address at 2012 Shop.org Annual Summit

WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc., as part of a keynote address at the Shop.org Annual Summit in Denver, CO, passionately debunked what he calls "myths" that the growth of internet shopping is bringing about the demise of "big box" retailing and that the future belongs to internet-only companies. During his presentation, titled "Episode III: The Stores Strike Back," Mr. Storch discussed how successful brands will be those that build the best consumer-facing network across all channels, and how Toys"R"Us^® is leveraging its unique strengths, including its robust store base, to grow and thrive over the long-term.

Mr. Storch outlined the many misconceptions he believes exist in the marketplace today regarding online-only companies and traditional "brick and mortar" retailers, including the assumptions that the internet is causing the downfall of "big box" retailing, store chains need to shrink massively and rapidly, customers prefer online shopping to stores and that the future belongs to online-only companies. Mr. Storch asserted that traditional retailers have many valuable assets, especially store locations, to compete in this evolving world. He illustrated how brands must engage and interact with customers through multiple means to provide convenience and flexibility and give consumers the ability to shop wherever, whenever and however they choose.

"While there has been much focus on online-only shopping – and our own e-commerce sites have grown to a $1 billion business – the reality is that the vast majority of sales still occur in physical stores," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "The successful brands will be those who offer the best products and services across all channels. As an omnichannel leader, Toys"R"Us is intensely focused on integrating stores, internet, mobile, social and local components, and leveraging our many operational assets to offer new services is an ongoing strategic initiative. To compete in this changing world, retailers must be aggressive and seize the day!"

Through its omnichannel strategy, Toys"R"Us utilizes its vast store base, distribution centers across the country, growing e-commerce business, mobile platform and social networking sites to bring products and a wealth of information to its customers. At the Shop.org Annual Summit, the premier gathering for e-commerce, digital and omnichannel retailers, Mr. Storch unveiled advancements being made to the company's already robust omnichannel offerings, which further its position at the forefront of omnichannel retailing. Toys"R"Us is continuing to invest in these services, including those involving its store network, to promote further interaction with the brand and improve the overall store experience.

This fall, Toys"R"Us, Inc. will roll out "Ship to Store," which will allow customers to ship select online purchases to their local Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us^® store free of charge. Additionally, enhancements to existing programs, such as "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store," will be available this fall, including merchandise pick up kiosks to streamline the in-store pick up process. To support the company's growing offerings, Toys"R"Us will also hire additional employees in its stores nationwide this holiday season specifically dedicated to fulfilling omnichannel orders and assisting customers with these programs.

Seamless Shopping Experience at Toys"R"Us – Order From Anywhere, Pick Up From Anywhere

"Ship to Store" – Beginning in October, customers can take advantage of a new complimentary shipping offer on Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, "Ship to Store." When shopping online, customers will have the option to select "Free Ship to Store" on eligible items and have their order delivered to the local store of their choice in 7 to 14 days. "Ship to Store" will be available for thousands products, including "big gift" items, such as cribs, dollhouses, Power Wheels and more. "Ship to Store" also provides an option for customers with mailing addresses that cannot accept large packages, such as P.O. boxes.

In-Store Merchandise Pick Up Locations – To streamline the in-store pick up process for customers, the company is introducing new merchandise pick up kiosks at all Toys"R"Us and Side-by-Side stores, which combine both Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us under one roof, across the country in mid-September. At these new kiosks, customers will be able to scan the barcode on their order confirmation e-mail printout or on the screen of their smartphone and a store associate will retrieve the order, bring it to the kiosk and assist the customer with completing their purchase.

The company's popular "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" service, which launched in 2010, offers customers the ability to browse and shop from the comfort of their own homes, while giving them the flexibility to pick up their purchases conveniently at a nearby "R"Us^® store. Appealing to customers who want to avoid shipping costs or for last-minute purchases, "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" guarantees in-store access within three hours of ordering. Customers can also select "Family and Friends Pick Up," which was introduced last holiday season, to designate an alternate person to pick up their order.    

My Store – This fall, the company is introducing a new "My Store" feature on Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, which provides customers with visibility to inventory of their local store online.

Utilizing e-Commerce and m-Commerce Channels within the Toys"R"Us Network

"Ship from Store" – To support the company's rapidly growing e-commerce business, in 2011 Toys"R"Us introduced "Ship from Store" to leverage inventory from stores nationwide and improve the speed with which customers receive their online order. "Ship from Store" also allows the company to expand its e-commerce assortment without the addition of inventory to its distribution centers.

Mobile, Social, Local – Smartphone savvy customers have the ability to shop the company's mobile-optimized e-commerce sites, and take advantage of its dedicated Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us apps for iPhone, iPad or Android to view weekly advertisements, deals and more. In addition, Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us are connected to over 4 million fans on their official Facebook pages where they provide information on new product introductions, value offerings and more.  

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 875 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 635 international stores and over 145 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys"R"Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

SOURCE Toys"R"Us, Inc.