WAYNE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced it has strengthened its global e-commerce capabilities with the launch of a dedicated web store, Toysrus.com.cn, in China. The addition of this site represents a significant step in the company’s plans to grow its presence with physical stores and online operations in Asia. The company has also announced the development of mobile-optimized sites and apps in 11 markets around the world, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, and the U.K. In the coming months, it will introduce the same capabilities in Portugal, Austria and Switzerland, as well as the Netherlands, where it does not currently have a store presence.
“With the launch of our new e-commerce site in China and the addition of mobile shopping capabilities in our international markets, Toys“R”Us is more accessible now than ever before to customers around the globe,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “These initiatives help us advance the company’s international growth and omnichannel strategies, while allowing more customers to shop with us whenever, wherever and however they choose.”
The launch of a web store in China, as well as new international mobile shopping capabilities, follows the company’s rapid launch of websites around the world over the past three years. In 2010 and 2011, Toys“R”Us, Inc. experienced double digit growth in its global e-commerce business, and generated $1 billion in online sales last year.
Company Continues Growth in China with Launch of Dedicated e-Commerce Business
E-retail sales in China are expected to hit $360 billion in 2015, triple the spending now, according to The Boston Consulting Group. The firm has also stated that e-commerce sales will account for nearly 10% of retail sales in China by or shortly after 2015. The launch of e-commerce capabilities to better serve Chinese consumers is an integral part of the company’s continued strategy for growth over the long term.
In October 2011, Toys“R”Us, Inc. acquired the majority stake in its business in Greater China and Southeast Asia from Fung Retailing. With this agreement, the existing Toys“R”Us licensed operations in this region became 70 percent majority owned and controlled by Toys“R”Us, Inc. and 30 percent owned by Fung Retailing.
In August, Toys“R”Us, Inc. opened its first stores in Beijing, making its debut in Northern China with two new locations on the eastern side of the capital city, including a Side-by-Side store with Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us under one roof. The following month, the company opened stores in Tianjing Galaxy Mall in Northern China and Nanning Mixc in Southern China. Toys“R”Us, Inc. currently operates 30 stores across 21 cities throughout China.
Mobile Shopping Provides On-the-Go Access to Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us
New mobile capabilities in Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, Australia, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the U.K., include a mobile-optimized website and dedicated applications for iOS and Android. Tablet-optimized sites will be available in select markets, as well. Users have the ability to navigate seamlessly between Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us, allowing them to browse and shop a wide selection of toy and juvenile products as easily on-the-go as they can from their homes.
Toys“R”Us Takes Global Presence Further with International Shipping on Toysrus.com
Earlier this month, Toys“R”Us, Inc. announced that international shipping is now available for online orders on Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com to more than 60 countries across Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North America and South America. The company is providing this service to its customers in partnership with i-parcel, a leading international air express company that facilitates global shipping capabilities. With international shipping, the company is extending the presence of Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us and nearly doubling the number of countries that currently have access to the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. This includes a number of markets where the company does not currently have a physical presence, such as Mexico and Brazil.
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 640 international stores and over 150 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.