Child World
Child World was an American toy retailer founded in 1962. It grew to 182 sites and revenues of $830 million (~$ in ) before failing in 1992. It was known for the distinctive stylized castle store exterior adopted after its 1975 purchase of the Children's Palace store chain. History Beginnings and early expansion Child World was founded by Sid Schneider and Joseph Arnesano in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1962. It became a publicly-traded corporation in 1968, based in Avon, Massachusetts. After its acquisition of Children's Palace, from Kobacker Stores in 1975, Child World became the second largest toy retailer in the United States after Toys "R" Us. In many areas Child World stores operated near Toys "R" Us locations. Post merger, Child World began incorporating the Children's Palace stylized castle decor into its new stores. The 1981 purchase of Child World by Cole National Corporation was followed by 1984's Kohlberg Kravis Roberts takeover of Cole. Until 1990 under President Peter Hayes, Child World employed a warehouse merchandising style with long aisles and over-stock storage above selling shelves. Sales began to decline by the late 1980s, so in 1989 the chain announced a different store format. It was initially trialed in Framingham,