Company History
Who began the company?
Charles Lazarus
What was the structure of the retail industry in japan?
Small shops, “mom and pop”
what does a typical toys r us look like?
Simple and colorful environment
cookie cutter stores
same aisle layouts at each store organized by categories
Who did toys r us partner with in Japan?
Den Fujita
How much did the company sell Interstate Stores inc. for?
$7.5 million
What was the most successful convenience store in the 1980’s?
7-Eleven
When is the busiest time that customers come to visit Toys R Us
The holiday Season (christmas time)
What did other retailers think of Toys R Us going to Japan?
They claimed they were doomed for failure and that Japanese consumers would not like warehouse stores. Claimed it was unrealistic to consider bypassing wholesalers.
What was the original name of Toys “R” Us in the first establishment of the company?
Children’s Supermarket
Where did Japan's toy market rank globally?
2nd behind U.S.
How did Toys R Us manage to always have all toys in stock?
Computer networks ensured almost automatic replacement of every toy sold once inventories dropped below predetermined levels
What percent stake did Mcdonald's Japan take in Toys R Us Japan?
20%
Charles Lazarus converted his fathers (blank) shop into his first children furniture store
Bicycle repair shop
What law was introduced by Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) that required retailers to submit detailed store plans to a review board in order to get permission to build?
The Large Scale Retail Law
What was the name of the company before it was rebranded to Toys “R” Us inc?
Interstate
Name three concerns with Toys r Us in Japan
Den Fujita as a partner created a lot of backlash
Limited amounts of land suitable for retailing
Prices for land were expensive
They would have to replicate the japanese buying/channel of distribution system
What was the first country outside of the U.S. Toys “R” Us expanded to?
Canada
Name 3 reasons there is a high cost to enter the japanese market:
1. Prices of goods were set at the “manufacturers’ suggested price”
2. High cost in real estate, labor and marketing
3. Pre-established relationships makes it hard to enter distribution channel
What was the size of almost every Toys R Us store?
54,000 sq. ft.
How many store(s) ended up opening after their planned store opening schedule?
one