Toys ‘R’ Us opens new store in Colorado – 9News

Report on the Expansion of Toys ‘R’ Us and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: New Retail Establishment in Thornton, Colorado

A new Toys ‘R’ Us retail facility commenced operations following a grand opening ceremony in Thornton, Colorado. The 10,000-square-foot store is situated at the Denver Premium Outlets. This development is part of a broader corporate strategy to re-establish a significant physical retail presence in the United States, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing industry and supporting local economies.

2.0 Contribution to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

The establishment of the Thornton store directly supports the objectives of SDG 8 by fostering local economic growth and creating employment opportunities within the community. The company’s strategic comeback from bankruptcy and subsequent expansion signifies a positive trend in economic resilience and job creation within the retail sector.

• Job Creation: The new store generates employment for local residents, contributing to stable and inclusive economic growth.
• Economic Revitalization: As part of a plan to open 10 new flagship stores and 20 seasonal shops, the company’s expansion stimulates economic activity in multiple municipalities.
• Corporate Resilience: The revival of the brand following its 2017 bankruptcy and 2021 acquisition by WHP Global demonstrates a sustainable business model aimed at long-term growth.

3.0 Fostering Sustainable Communities and Infrastructure (SDG 11 & SDG 9)

The expansion of brick-and-mortar locations contributes to the development of resilient infrastructure and promotes inclusive and sustainable communities, in line with SDG 9 and SDG 11. By occupying retail space in established commercial centers like the Denver Premium Outlets, Toys ‘R’ Us enhances the vitality of community hubs.

3.1 Store Features and Innovation

The new location incorporates innovative retail experiences, aligning with SDG 9’s focus on industry and innovation. This approach modernizes the traditional retail model to meet contemporary consumer expectations.

1. Product Offerings: The store features a curated selection of established brands such as LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels, promoting the consumption of durable and long-lasting products.
2. Innovative Entertainment: A new arcade experience, including claw machines and Tomy Gacha machines popular in international markets, is being introduced to enhance the consumer experience.

4.0 Strategic National Expansion

The Thornton store is a key component of a national strategy to double the number of Toys ‘R’ Us locations in the United States. This initiative builds upon the success of existing global flagship stores and represents a significant investment in the nation’s retail infrastructure.

• Current Flagship Locations:
  • American Dream, New Jersey
  • Mall of America, Minnesota
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Dallas, Texas
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport
• Future Growth: The plan includes the opening of additional flagship and seasonal stores by the end of the year, further supporting economic growth (SDG 8) and community development (SDG 11) across the country.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are connected to the article:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article discusses the expansion of Toys ‘R’ Us, including the opening of a new 10,000-square-foot store in Thornton and plans for “10 new flagship stores and 20 seasonal holiday shops.” This expansion directly relates to economic growth by increasing retail activity and creating new jobs in the communities where these stores are located. The company’s comeback from bankruptcy in 2017 to an aggressive expansion plan signifies economic revitalization and investment.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is relevant as the article describes the company’s “brick-and-mortar comeback.” The opening of new physical stores represents an investment in commercial infrastructure. Furthermore, the article highlights innovation within the retail experience, such as the debut of an “arcade experience featuring claw machines and gashapon machines.” This shows an effort to innovate the business model to attract customers and drive growth, which aligns with fostering innovation within the industry.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.2 (under SDG 8)

   This target aims to “achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.” The article mentions that the new Colorado store will “debut an arcade experience,” which is a diversification of the traditional toy store model. This innovation is a strategy to enhance the retail experience, attract more customers, and increase economic productivity.

2. Target 8.5 (under SDG 8)

   This target focuses on achieving “full and productive employment and decent work for all.” The plan to open “10 new flagship stores and 20 seasonal holiday shops” directly contributes to this target by creating employment opportunities in the retail sector across the U.S.

3. Target 9.1 (under SDG 9)

   This target is to “develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development.” The establishment of new, physical “brick-and-mortar” stores contributes to the development of commercial infrastructure that supports local economies and provides a physical marketplace for goods.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators:

• Number of new stores opened

  The article explicitly states a plan to open “10 new flagship stores” and “20 seasonal holiday shops.” This is a direct quantitative indicator of economic growth, investment in infrastructure (Target 9.1), and job creation (Target 8.5).

• Square footage of new retail space

  The article mentions the new Thornton location is a “10,000-square-foot retail location.” This can be used as an indicator to measure the scale of investment in new commercial infrastructure (Target 9.1).

• Introduction of new business initiatives/innovations

  The mention of “aggressively rolling out new initiatives” and the specific debut of an “arcade experience” serves as a qualitative indicator for business innovation and diversification aimed at increasing economic productivity (Target 8.2).

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: 9news.com