Toys "Я" Us-Kids "Я" Us; Montgomery, AL
Located at 5484 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery, Alabama.
This Toys "Я" Us-Kids"Я" Us combination store remains as the oldest, original brown-roof, rainbow-striped concept design which had never been remodeled from its opening date in 1983.
Store 8804 was the first store in Alabama, originally built and later coupled with Kids "Я" Us. In 2018, it was one of very few known left in the U.S. still in operation with original design, mostly unaltered or repainted exterior.
This particular variant of the classic brown/rainbow concept is that of a specific "L" corner-wrapped variation, rolled out during 1981 until 1984. This is the only remaining variation left in the country in this original condition.
Though otherwise trapped in time, this store had its Geoffrey sign removed from the store's roof's right front end (or fell unto disrepair). Though unsure as to when, it has been missing for over a decade. The glass-encased canopy over the "Exit Only" door was also removed, according to Reddit user thegumpguy, around 1987.
There was also another Kids "Я" Us sign on the building's left side.
The Toys "Я" Us lettering may have been replaced at some point as its color scheme reflect the 1990's era and the store itself showed considerable distress with its sign fading and fluorescent innards visible and buzzing loudly at night.
The store's street level signage was also goofed and has had some lettering replaced, with the "O" upsidedown and the "Я" coloring replaced.
The store also featured unique "Enter" sign and an earlier "Customer Pick Up" sign which closely resembled the Woburn, MA store.
The 43,500 sq. ft. store also featured various bygone interior features such as a long hallway entrance, separated "Exit Only" door, elevated shelf bike racks, split "supermarket-style" aisles and ticket slips for video games.
After over 33 years (at the time of this shoot), this store has dodged company waves of closures and with it remodels, making it one of the most fascinating and historic Toys "Я" Us stores left in the world.
It's the only Toys "Я" Us left in Montgomery area, with its closest in state store 88 miles away in Hoover.
The Caldor Rainbow sought to visit this location around 2008 but kept relishing the opportunity. 8 years later, we're proud to present our efforts to preserve this rich piece of the company's history.
In February 2019, it was announced Big Lots will be opening, starting early stages of removing the facade.
This Toys "Я" Us-Kids"Я" Us combination store remains as the oldest, original brown-roof, rainbow-striped concept design which had never been remodeled from its opening date in 1983.
Store 8804 was the first store in Alabama, originally built and later coupled with Kids "Я" Us. In 2018, it was one of very few known left in the U.S. still in operation with original design, mostly unaltered or repainted exterior.
This particular variant of the classic brown/rainbow concept is that of a specific "L" corner-wrapped variation, rolled out during 1981 until 1984. This is the only remaining variation left in the country in this original condition.
Though otherwise trapped in time, this store had its Geoffrey sign removed from the store's roof's right front end (or fell unto disrepair). Though unsure as to when, it has been missing for over a decade. The glass-encased canopy over the "Exit Only" door was also removed, according to Reddit user thegumpguy, around 1987.
There was also another Kids "Я" Us sign on the building's left side.
The Toys "Я" Us lettering may have been replaced at some point as its color scheme reflect the 1990's era and the store itself showed considerable distress with its sign fading and fluorescent innards visible and buzzing loudly at night.
The store's street level signage was also goofed and has had some lettering replaced, with the "O" upsidedown and the "Я" coloring replaced.
The store also featured unique "Enter" sign and an earlier "Customer Pick Up" sign which closely resembled the Woburn, MA store.
The 43,500 sq. ft. store also featured various bygone interior features such as a long hallway entrance, separated "Exit Only" door, elevated shelf bike racks, split "supermarket-style" aisles and ticket slips for video games.
After over 33 years (at the time of this shoot), this store has dodged company waves of closures and with it remodels, making it one of the most fascinating and historic Toys "Я" Us stores left in the world.
It's the only Toys "Я" Us left in Montgomery area, with its closest in state store 88 miles away in Hoover.
The Caldor Rainbow sought to visit this location around 2008 but kept relishing the opportunity. 8 years later, we're proud to present our efforts to preserve this rich piece of the company's history.
In February 2019, it was announced Big Lots will be opening, starting early stages of removing the facade.
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