Ever since Funtastic rebranded to Toys”R”Us ANZ earlier this year, the company has gone from strength to strength with the latest being the leasing of a warehouse distribution and adjoining head office facility.
Located in Clayton, Victoria, the new premises has been specifically designed to the company’s requirements and covers a total building size of 19,650 square metres.
“In alignment with the company’s growth aspirations and vision, these new warehouse and office facilities mark a key strategic milestone that will enable Toys“R”Us to scale the business considerably and accelerate ecommerce operations,” Dr Louis Mittoni, Toys“R”Us CEO and managing director, explains.
“As shopper demand via ecommerce pillars Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and Hobby Warehouse continues to grow, this purpose-built state-of-the-art distribution centre will assist the company meet increased demand, improve cost efficiencies and deliver higher levels of customer service and experiences to our shoppers.”
Indeed, ecommerce has grown exponentially over the last couple of years, especially since the pandemic hit, and most bricks and mortar stores had to close their doors, leaving them no option but to move their sales online.
“The growth of ecommerce has not been an unfamiliar narrative over the past 24 months, but we take particular pleasure in playing a small part in seeing the accelerated growth trajectory of this storied brand since pivoting to a digital first retail model,” says James Stott, director of Industrial at Colliers, which brokered the transaction.
“This state-of-the-art logistics centre is the third deal we have brokered on behalf of Toys“R”Us over the past 12 months and importantly will exponentially grow its logistics capabilities and also become a hub where customers can engage with the Toys “R”Us and Babies“R”Us brands.”
The initial lease is for 10 years with the option of two five-year extensions. Development of the facility by ESR Australia is expected to be completed by June 2022.
“Over the past 18 months ESR Australia has been transforming the 6.4 hectare outdated manufacturing site into a state-of-the-art business estate, working closely with our innovation-minded customers to develop bespoke facilities to serve their needs today and well into the future,” Phil Pearce, CEO of ESR Australia, adds.
