Charles Lazarus
Charles Lazarus | |
|---|---|
| Founder, CEO, and chairman | |
| Chairman of Toys "R" Us | |
| In office 1957–1998 | |
| Preceded by | Founded |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Urcelay |
| President and CEO of Toys "R" Us | |
| In office 1957–1994 | |
| Preceded by | Founded |
| Succeeded by | Dave Brandon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 4, 1923 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | March 22, 2018 (aged 94) New York City, U.S. |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation |
|
| Known for | Founder & CEO of Toys "R" Us Creator of Geoffrey the Giraffe |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | U.S. Army |
| Rank | Cryptographer |
Charles Philip Lazarus (October 4, 1923 – March 22, 2018) was an American entrepreneur, executive, and pioneer within the retail toy industry. Lazarus founded the Toys "R" Us retail chain, which evolved from a children's furniture store he originally opened in Washington, D.C. in 1948. He opened his first store dedicated exclusively to toys, which he named Toys "R" Us, in 1957.