Babies "R" Us to take over Union Sq. space.

Toys "R" Us, Inc. announced that it will open the first Babies "R" Us store in Manhattan. The new Babies "R" Us store is expected to open by holiday 2005, replacing the Toys "R" Us store that currently occupies the space at 24-30 Union Square East in New York City.

"The growth of Babies "R" Us certainly supports the expansion in Manhattan," said Rick Markee, President of Babies "R" Us. "We're excited to open in this high traffic retail location in late 2005 and to offer parents and caregivers of the more than 100,000 babies born in New York City each year the best selection of newborn and infant merchandise for their families."

The newly furbished Babies "R" Us Union Square store will continue the tradition of the Babies "R" Us unparalleled shopping experience including the state-of-the-art Baby Registry and the largest selection of juvenile products--including furniture, strollers, car seats, infant care products and more.

"We've been looking for some time for the right home for Babies "R" Us in Manhattan," said John Eyler, CEO and Chairman of Toys "R" Us, Inc., "With the success of Toys "R" Us Times Square, we felt our shareholders and customers would be best served if we converted the Union Square location to a Babies "R" Us store.

"Plans to convert the Union Square store space are underway and Toys "R" Us is committed to maintaining an exceptional level of service throughout this holiday season and the conversion process."

Toys "R" Us, Inc. began the conversion process by initiating a clearance sale at the Union Square store on December 26.

Mr. Eyler added, "We would like to thank those who patronized the Union Square store and we hope that you will continue to show your support for Toys "R" Us by visiting us at our international flagship store in Times Square where we offer the broadest selection of toys in New York City."

Financial woes prompted Toys 'R' Us to announce last month that it expects to separate its Toys "R" Us business from the Babies R Us operations in the first half of 2005. Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a fast-growing division that sells baby furniture, apparel and accessories.

The Union Square store will be closed in February or March for renovations.