It’s the 1950s and in Washington D.C., Charles Lazarus is running a small baby furniture store in the house he was born in.But when a customer comes seeking toys, Lazarus starts on the path towards creating a toy superstore empire called Toys “R” Us and building immense wealth.And he’s not the only businessman chasing toy riches. In Massachusetts, a wholesal ... Show More
Apr 2023
The Amazing History of Japanese Toys, Part One: A Serious Business
When most of us think of toys, we fondly recall moments from childhood, or think of toys we gifted to loved ones over the years. Yet toys are a serious, big business -- and, more than once, they played a vital role in Japan's postwar economy. In part one of this week's special tw ... Show More
32m 3s
Sep 2025
Carlton Calvin: Razor. The wild rise, collapse, and reinvention of a mobile toy empire.
In the summer of 2000, Razor scooters were everywhere—on sidewalks, in schools, even in Silicon Valley offices. At the center of it all was Carlton Calvin, an ex-lawyer turned toy mogul who had already ridden—and crashed—multiple crazes, from Pogs to yo-yos.Carlton knew how to sp ... Show More
1h 13m
<p>Today is Wednesday, December 22, and we're looking at Toys 'R' Us vs. Learning Express Toys & Gifts.</p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a ... Show More
