But for brick-and-mortar shoppers, retailers in the area have also bolstered their toy, game and baby selections.
Here are seven local stores with a larger toy selection as Christmas approaches.
»BIZ BEAT: Online holiday shopping expected to logjam delivery: Important deadlines to know
1. Blue Turtle
If you want iconic toys, Blue Turtle Toys is a good choice in the Shops of Oakwood at 2314 Far Hills Ave. The store sells toys, games, books and puzzles.
2. Toy Fan Addict
Toy Fan Addict is another local store that sells vintage toys that you can’t find in other stores. It can be found at 229 Springboro Pike, Miami Twp.
3. Kroger
Not only is Kroger upping its toy game, but the largest grocery provider in the region will sell brands previously exclusive to Toys "R" Us. The grocer is partnering with Geoffries Toy Box, a division of Geoffrey LLC, which is a subsidiary of Toys "R" Us.
»BIZ BEAT: Tesla may want to buy closing GM plants, including one in Ohio, Elon Musk says
4. Target
Target has made one of the most significant toy expansions, more than doubling its options and adding a quarter million square feet to more than 500 stores. About 100 stores also saw a major remodel to focus more on the child, with oversized displays and an interactive activity walk.
5. Michael’s
Michael’s craft stores have increased their toy selections for the holidays. In late September, Michael’s Companies also announced plans to launch MichaelsKids.com and expand its toy assortment including national brands like Lego, Play-doh and Crayola, along with activity and craft kits.
6. Walmart
Earlier this year Walmart announced plans to increase in-store toy selections by 30 percent and its online toy assortment by 40 percent. The thousands of new and exclusive items are expected to make Walmart an even bigger destination for toys this year.
7. JCPenney
If shoppers are looking for baby-specific gifts without Babies “R” Us, JCPenney may be the place to go with its new baby shops at the Dayton Mall and Mall at Fairfield Commons. JCPenney always sold baby apparel, but the expanded baby shops will include cribs, high chairs, strollers, car seats and other baby supplies.
FIVE FAST READS
• How to protect yourself from cyber thieves this shopping season
• Walgreens launches next-day delivery in area
• Naked man on top of Dayton building causes disturbance for more than 4 hours
• Aldi to offer delivery at Dayton-area stores
• PHOTOS: Luxury condo with downtown view on market for $320K
About the Author