WAYNE, NJ and TOYKO, JAPAN, 2016-Mar-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced the retirement of Monika Merz, president of Toys“R”Us, Asia Pacific, effective May 31, 2016. Her successor will be named at a future date.
As President, Toys“R”Us, Asia Pacific, Monika Merz oversees all operations and business activities for the company’s more than 300 stores in Japan, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Australia. In this role, she has been responsible for the continued growth, profitability and success of the company in these markets. Since she started working at Toys“R”Us, Ms. Merz has been instrumental in the development of new store formats and merchandising concepts that have been successfully translated to other markets, ultimately strengthening the company’s position in the global marketplace.
Dave Brandon, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. said, “I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Monika and to acknowledge her many contributions during her years with the company. She is a highly regarded leader who has inspired new ideas, demonstrated innovative thinking and unwavering passion for the business and grown our Toys“R”Us brand internationally, even through challenging times and market transitions.”
Ms. Merz’s retirement will bring to a close a remarkable career of nearly 20 years of continuous service to the company. She joined in 1996 as Vice President and General Manager, Toys“R”Us, Canada and was promoted to President, Toys“R”Us, Canada four years later. In 2007, Ms. Merz assumed leadership of Toys“R”Us, Japan. Her role was expanded to include responsibility for the company’s stores in Australia in 2011, and, later that year, Ms. Merz gained oversight of the company’s locations and corporate offices in Southeast Asia and Greater China when the company entered a joint venture agreement with Li & Fung to operate these formerly licensed stores.
“During my time at Toys“R”Us I’ve had many experiences and challenges, but I’ve always been supported by exceptional teams and leaders,” said Ms. Merz. “I’m proud of all that we have accomplished and confident that the work we have done to provide a fun and memorable shopping experience for customers will continue after my retirement. After more than eight years in Asia Pacific, I’m now looking forward to returning to Canada and a new stage in my life.”
FOR MEDIA USE: Download a photo of Monika Merz here: https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d-sc990c6c02f645e49.
About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 856 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 755 international stores and more than 250 licensed stores in 38 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys at FAO.com. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has an annual workforce of approximately 66,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus andFacebook.com/Babiesrus and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.
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Media Contacts:
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Elizabeth Gaerlan
973-617-5632
Elizabeth.Gaerlan@toysrus.com
Alyssa Peera
973-617-5634
Alyssa.Peera@toysrus.com