Remember the end of the holiday catalog, circling everything you wanted with a marker? Toys "R" Us is betting a lot of us do. The brand is in the middle of a big holiday comeback, and if you live in Odenton, Crofton, Gambrills, Severn, Hanover or near Fort Meade, you don't have to drive far to join the fun.
What's happening
Patch recently reported that two new standalone Toys "R" Us stores in Maryland are part of the chain's nationwide push (Odenton Patch, Oct. 15, 2026). The two new Maryland stores are:
- Clarksburg Premium Outlets, 22705 Clarksburg Road, upper level
- Queenstown Premium Outlets, 121 Outlet Center Drive, Space F030, main level
They're part of a much bigger rollout. In a September 17 press release, Toys "R" Us and its store operator, Go! Retail Group, said they're opening 120 new standalone U.S. stores this holiday season. That would bring the count to about 160 standalone stores, plus the Toys "R" Us shops inside Macy's (PR Newswire).
The new stores aren't just aisles of action figures, either. Select locations are adding "Creator Studios," spaces where creators and toy brands can film content and host product reveals. Some will also have candy shops and cafés.
For anyone who remembers the original: Toys "R" Us filed for bankruptcy in September 2017. In March 2018, going-out-of-business sales began at all 735 of its remaining U.S. stores (Toys "R" Us press release via SEC; GlobeNewswire). Seeing the giraffe back in Maryland malls is a fun bit of nostalgia.
Our closest store: Arundel Mills
Here's the good news for our corner of Anne Arundel County: we didn't have to wait for this year's rollout. Toys "R" Us opened a 7,000-square-foot store at Arundel Mills in Hanover in late November 2025, across from T.J. Maxx (The MoCo Show; WMAR-2). Its listed address is 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Space 144 (Go! Retail Group). Hours change around the holidays, so check the store locator before you go.
And honestly, that's one of the perks of living around here. Arundel Mills sits right where Route 100 meets the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), about two miles from BWI (Simon / Arundel Mills). Simon lists more than 240 stores there, plus dining and entertainment. Live! Casino & Hotel is right next door if the grown-ups want a dinner out or a show after the shopping is done.
For a lot of my clients, that's the everyday appeal of Odenton, Hanover, Severn and the Fort Meade area: Fort Meade, BWI, Baltimore, D.C. and a major shopping destination are all a reasonable drive from home. Holiday errands just happen to be the most festive version of that.
A few holiday-shopping tips from a local
- Go early or go late. Weekend afternoons in December are busy at the Mills, so plan around them.
- Have a game plan. The mall is big. Check the directory before you park so you start near the stores you actually need.
- Shop local, too. Pair your mall run with a stop at a small business in Crofton or Odenton. Those shops make our community what it is.
Thinking about a move before next holiday season?
If browsing toy aisles has you daydreaming about being closer to all of this, I'd be happy to help. You can search homes in Hanover and Odenton any time on my website. Or call or text me at (301) 651-1261 to talk it through, no pressure.
Happy holidays, and happy hunting!
Scott Smolen, REALTOR® | The Scott Smolen Team at RE/MAX Leading Edge | 1655 Crofton Blvd, Suite 203, Crofton, MD 21114 | Cell (301) 651-1261 | Office (410) 721-9600 | www.scottsmolen.com. Each office independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Store details come from the sources linked above as of Oct. 18, 2026 and may change. Please confirm hours and offerings directly with the store.