DUBUQUE, Iowa — November 12, 2026 — Geoffrey is coming back to Dubuque. Kennedy Mall announced today that Toys “R” Us is coming soon to the mall, in a space across from Bath & Body Works.

“A little nostalgia and a whole lot of fun are making their way to Kennedy Mall!” the mall’s announcement reads. “Whether you’re shopping for the little ones or looking to relive some childhood memories, there’s something for everyone to discover.”

The mall’s announcement features the brand’s mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, in a Santa hat beside a Christmas tree — a holiday-season look for a store arriving just in time for Christmas shopping. No official opening date has been announced yet. The mall says to stay tuned to its social channels for more details and official opening dates.

Whether the Kennedy Mall location will be a permanent store or a seasonal pop-up has not been stated.

Toys “R” Us closed all of its U.S. stores in 2018 after the company filed for bankruptcy, including its longtime Dubuque store at 1300 John F. Kennedy Road. The brand has been staging a comeback since then, first with shop-in-shops inside Macy’s stores and now with new standalone stores. In partnership with Go! Retail Group, Toys “R” Us announced plans this fall to open 120 standalone U.S. stores in time for the holiday season, bringing its standalone store count to 160 nationwide.

The Kennedy Mall announcement drew an enthusiastic response online, with shoppers tagging friends and sharing childhood memories of the store.