Some things really are universal. While language and culture may vary around the world, one constant remains: Moms and Dads all want the best for their children -- high quality products and toys that promote learning, spark imagination and are just plain fun. This knowledge, and our special relationships with families around the world, is driving the impressive growth of Toys“R”Us International. From Europe to Australia, from Canada to Japan, wherever guests are shopping at a Toys“R”Us international location, we’re utilizing the same strategies as the U.S. and doing everything possible to delight them with fun, value and unique products, in an exciting and guest-friendly store environment.

The Imaginarium concept has been introduced into many of our international locations...delighting our guests.

Growing bigger, getting better

In 2001, Toys“R”Us International achieved another year of record sales. In fact, the International division posted the highest store for store growth of all our businesses. At year-end, Toys“R”Us International operated 507 stores in 28 countries, including franchises and joint ventures. We opened 23 new stores last year, expanding our reach and accessibility to thousands of new families around the world. We rolled out the successful Imaginarium concept to 185 Toys“R”Us international stores and incorporated our proprietary brand of plush, Animal Alley, worldwide.

Similar to our efforts in the U.S., many of our International locations were renovated and updated to offer an exciting, pleasant and easy shopping experience for our guests.

Sharing excellence worldwide

The ability to leverage our worldwide knowledge in areas such as marketing, store operations and especially merchandising, gives our company a competitive advantage. This free flow of ideas, experience and knowledge enables all countries to focus on proven successes and shorten the timeline and learning between concept and execution, which is a true advantage for a global organization.

Looking ahead with confidence

In 2002, we’ll continue to reenergize and grow our worldwide business by offering innovative, exclusive merchandise that will set us apart from the competition and drive our business forward. We will also strengthen our guests’ experience by remodeling and updating many of our stores, based on global learnings, to offer an unmatched, guest-friendly environment.

The universal appeal of our brand is unparalleled, and Toys“R”Us International will continue to be instrumental in evolving our global presence to delight parents, kids and other guests around the world.