I write this petition due to the heartbreaking closure of Macy's in Center City Philadelphia in March 2025. The void it left is glaring. However, I believe there's a silver lining to this; That it gives us the chance to bring in something wholesome for our city: a freestanding Toys R Us store, a beacon of wonderment and joy. A store of this kind already thrives in locations such as American Dream Meadowlands, Mall of America, and Harlem Irving Plaza. Why should Philadelphia's tale be any different?

I myself have been to the Toys R Us store at American Dream Meadowlands, and I was not only impressed, but also envious. 

Imagine a Toys R Us that sprawls over at least two floors, abundant with toys of all varieties, and bursting with interactive demos and displays that make every kid's (and many adults') eyes widen with delight. Besides the natural joy this store would contribute to our city, it would also build opportunities for many Philadelphians.

Each Toys R Us store employs between 20 to 50 employees (US Securities & Exchange Commission, 2021), which means the creation of new jobs for our locals. This could have a positive effect on the city's crime rate, which stood at about 50 crimes per 1,000 residents as per a 2019 police report. Furthermore, providing jobs and opportunities for impoverished and homeless members of our community can help lift them out of dire circumstances.

Yes, Macy's is no longer in Center City, but Philadelphia now has the chance to welcome a brighter, toy-filled future – for our children, for job seekers, and for those in need of a helping hand. We can't go wrong with Toys R Us. So, let's seize this opportunity and bring Toys R Us to Center City, Philadelphia. We owe it to our city, to our growing young ones, and to the child in each of us. Sign this petition, let's make Center City shine with the guiding light of a Toys R Us store!