I’ve long-held the opinion that Toys “R” Us is an important retailer – perhaps the most important for children, as the last great toy retailer to have a National presence here in the United States. Families deserve a true toy store with real selection (the other “Big Box” places just don’t cut it – not even close), and while TRU has some ongoing woes to deal with (many of which I could solve, but they haven’t called me yet), they’re making strides to win customers back through making a visit to the House of Geoffrey an “event.” While I doubt kids today will ever see the pegs as packed as I recall them during the initial run of the Original STAR WARS Trilogy from 1977-1983 (towering, cavernous, dimly-lit aisles stacked to the ceiling with new Kenner STAR WARS action figures and vehicles), Toys “R”Us is declaring themselves to be “DESTINATION: STAR WARS“ starting with International STAR WARS Day (technically May 4, but their celebration is May 3) and leading up to and through the release of THE FORCE AWAKENS this December. Here’s the details…
Toys“R”Us, U.S. to Celebrate Star Wars Day in Style, Offer Exclusive VIP Shopping Trip Sweepstakes
On Sunday, May 3, all Toys“R”Us locations in the U.S. will celebrate Star Wars Day with one-of-a-kind in-store experiences. Fans of all ages who visit their local store from 12 noon – 2pm are invited to dress as their favorite Star Wars character, take a picture with Geoffrey the Giraffe and experience a special LEGO® Star Wars build and giveaway, while supplies last.*
Event attendees can also enter to win a $1,000 Toys“R”Us gift card and a trip for four to Toys“R”Us Times Square in New York City for a private Star Wars shopping experience this fall. More information about the Star Wars Midnight Madness VIP Shopping Spree and entry rules surrounding the sweepstakes are available at Toysrus.com/VIPsweeps.
Exclusive Toys Available at Toys “R” Us Include:
LEGO® Star Wars™ Battle Droid Troop Carrier from the LEGO Group
Bring in reinforcements at the Battle of Naboo with the LEGO® Star Wars™ Battle Droid Troop Carrier. Star Warsenthusiasts can help the Pilot Battle Droids unload the racks of Battle Droids and detachable blaster racks before the Gungan Warrior has time to take aim and fire. As featured in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, this detailed transporter also features a detachable driver compartment that can be attached at either end, as well as hidden wheels to help it glide across the floor. The set includes a Gungan Warrior minifigure with a weapon, plus 2 Pilot Battle Droids and 12 Battle Droids with weapons. No batteries required. Ages 8 to 14 years.
LEGO® Star Wars™ Coruscant Police Gunship from the LEGO Group.
Slide open the cockpit, jump in and get ready to transport the Clone Shock Troopers into the heat of battle with this 481-piece LEGO® Star Wars™ set. As featured in Season 5 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series, the Coruscant Police Gunship has sliding doors, folding wings and landing gear, 2 spring-loaded blasters and a rear weapon compartment containing 3 lightsabers and 2 blasters. Little builders can then deploy any of the 4 included minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka and 2 Shock Troopers. No batteries required. Ages 8 to 11 years.
Operation Star Wars™ Edition from Hasbro®
It’s the game that brings Star Wars to the operating room. Little surgeons will be challenged to find and remove some special Defective Droid parts that are giving C-3PO and R2-D2 trouble. Players will find a Pain in the Neck, a Bad Memory Module, a Hiccupping Hologram, a Cranky Crankshaft and more. They can also earn Galactic Credits for successfully extracting these pesky parts from Droid friends. Caution is required, as R2-D2 will whistle and beep if kids touch the metal sides. Hands will have to be steady to win in this intergalactic version of Operation. Requires 4 “AAA” batteries (not included). Ages 6 years and up.
Star Wars™R2-D2’s in Trouble® Star Wars™ Edition Game from Hasbro®
R2-D2 is stuck in a force field in this Star Wars™ version of the classic Trouble® game, and it’s up to Luke Skywalker and C-3PO to set him free. When players move their pawns all over the board, the Pop-O-Matic die roller even makes real R2-D2 sounds. The player who gets them all to the finish area first, wins! Requires 3 “AAA” batteries (demo batteries included). Ages 5 years and up.
Now, if only our local store could keep some of the toy “scalpers” away…
