Charles Lazarus was born on April 10, 1923 in Washington, D.C. He was raised in a family that valued hard work and entrepreneurship. His father owned a bicycle shop, and Charles learned the ropes of running a business from a young age. He was a natural entrepreneur, always looking for new opportunities to grow and expand.
At the age of twenty-five, Charles opened Children's Bargain Town, a baby furniture store in Washington, D.C. This was just the beginning of his foray into the world of retail. He quickly realized that there was a demand for quality children's toys, and he decided to capitalize on this opportunity.
In 1948, Charles founded Toys "R" Us, a children's toy store that would revolutionize the toy industry. The store quickly gained popularity for its wide selection of toys and its focus on providing a fun and engaging shopping experience for children and parents alike. Charles' vision and leadership transformed Toys "R" Us into a household name, becoming the go-to destination for all things toy-related.
Charles' impact on the toy manufacturing industry was so significant that in 1990, he was inducted into the Toy Industry Association's Hall of Fame. His dedication to providing quality products and exceptional customer service set the standard for the industry, and his influence is still felt today.
Charles was married to renowned sex therapist Helen Singer for sixteen years until her passing in 1995. Later that same year, he married Joan Regenbogen. His family was always a source of support and inspiration for his entrepreneurial pursuits.
In 1994, Charles stepped down as Chairman and CEO of Toys "R" Us, but he remained with the company as Chairman Emeritus. He continued to be involved in the business, offering guidance and expertise based on his years of experience.
One of the most iconic aspects of Toys "R" Us is its mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe. Voiced by actor Jim Hanks, Geoffrey became synonymous with the brand and a beloved figure in the hearts of children everywhere.
Charles Lazarus' legacy lives on through Toys "R" Us and the impact he had on the toy industry. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing quality products continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs to this day.