TFW2005:

Our initial news report about the return KB Toys discussed the intention of bringing back a beloved name which this time around would employ a competitive and sustainable business model resistant to the financial errors made by its predecessor — and Toys R Us. Today, KB CEO Ellia Kassoff elaborated on those plans during his Open Forum remarks at The Toy Association’s PlayCon. Among the highlights:

— 300-400 KB pop up stores will open during the 2018-19 holiday season as a quick way to test each market, while the best performing of those pop ups will be reviewed in early 2019 for potential expansion to one of the larger permanent 600-800 stores.

— Simon is among the many mall organizations that replied with interest to Kassoff s LinkedIn post and are now aboard as investors; banks, outside investors and private equity are not involved in this version of KB Toys.

— Of special interest to collector communities, a dedicated “Toy Nerd" in each store will help buyers with in-store hot off the delivery truck purchases, along with events like meet and greet autograph sessions with toy designers.