Santa was good to Toys'R'Us this holiday season

Toys “R” Us produced surprisingly strong results, especially online, in what is proving to be a holiday season characterized by mixed results from retailers who have disclosed results.

Toys “R” Us said same store sales at its domestic stores increased 2.9% during the five week period ended Jan. 2, and increased 1.4% for the nine week period which ended the same day. The company said it enjoyed particular strength in online sales, but did not disclose a percentage growth rate. The core toy, learning and seasonal categories generated the strongest same store sales growth, partially offset by a decline in the entertainment category which includes electronics, video game hardware and software, according to the company.

“Our positive holiday same store sales results demonstrate our ability to execute our holiday plan in a highly competitive marketplace,” said Toys “R” Us CEO Dave Brandon. “We successfully maintained a strong in-stock position on the hottest toys while offering customers competitive prices and an extensive merchandise assortment, both in stores and online.”

The company also saw strength in its international basis where same store sales increased 5.1% and 3.1%, respectively, for the five week and nine week periods.

Consolidated same store sales, excluding the impact of foreign currency effects, increased 3.7% and 2%, respectively, for the five week and nine week periods.

Toys “R” Us operates 863 Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores in the U.S. and has more than 755 stores and 250 licensed stores internationally.