The arrival of Toys ‘R’ Us in Cuenca is moving closer to reality, with plans in place to open a new large-format store in May 2026 following a $3 million investment.
The project is being led by Corporación Cobos & Cobos Cía. Ltda., a Cuenca-based company that is entering the toy retail sector after previously focusing on importing sportswear and footwear.
The new store will span more than 1,200 square meters and will combine both the Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us brands in a single location. Plans for the space include play areas for children, interactive zones, and a dedicated room for birthday parties and special events.
The opening is expected to generate around 100 direct jobs and an additional 200 indirect positions.
Construction on the site is already well advanced, following earlier delays. The project had initially been scheduled to open in July 2025 but was pushed back, building anticipation over the past year.
The Cuenca expansion is part of a broader international presence for the brand, which now operates more than 1,600 stores across roughly 35 countries after being revived in recent years.
Local operators have also indicated plans to expand further, with additional stores projected for Panama and Colombia.
The upcoming opening marks a significant addition to Cuenca’s retail landscape and signals a new step for the company behind the project.