New Star Wars toys go on sale tonight and Toys R Us celebrated all day

If you’re a big Star Wars fan, then you already know where you’re going to be tonight at midnight. But if you had the day off today and were at TRU in Times Square, then you’re already ensconced in that Galaxy Far, Far Away.

All day long today, which was officially the day before ‘Force Friday’ by the way, Toys R Us in Times Square NYC partied with special events, guests, and happenings galore. Starting at 9am this morning, when the store cracked its doors, TRU Times Square played host to fans dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters and demo’d a whole mess of Star Wars toys.

There was actually a kind of Star Wars museum featuring a bunch of action figures from days gone by too, which included figures from the original run in the 80s and the relaunched line (that’s still running strong today) from ’95. Other than that, there were also a pair of photo ops with both Furbacca and Geoffrey the Giraffe, and yes Geoffrey did indeed have a cape and a lightsaber. No word on whether he’s a Jedi or a Sith, though I’d imagine he’s the former. I can’t see him being all that evil.

Star Wars illustrator Jeff Carlisle also stopped by to teach kids how to sketch their favorite characters from the saga, and comic artist Steve Sansweet put in an appearance as well. All in all, there was a lot going on, and we haven’t even reached the main event yet.

Of course, I’m referring to when the actual toys hit the shelves for purchase. The magic moment comes at 12:01am tonight, and it’s an event that every Toys R Us in the continental US is partaking in. Yep, it’s that big. You can expect to see Hasbro action figures galore and the all-new LEGO sets as well. And if you’re at the Times Square location, you’ll get a double dose of gifts for your trouble, as the first 200 fans in line for entry will receive “a Collector’s Edition LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick and an exclusive, limited edition Star Wars poster”. And should you miss out on those, you still might get something, with the first 300 in line taking home a “Star Wars Character Flashlight from JAKKS Pacific”.

Force Friday was a major way to usher in the dawn of a new set of Star Wars films, and really a new era for the franchise, which is now seated firmly at the Disney table. Things are really just getting started too, as Star Wars will see a release schedule of films (and probably other media) in the years to come like nothing it’s ever seen before.

As one era begins though, another closes. Force Friday is likely one of the last big ‘event’ days at Toys R Us Times Square. The flagship location for the worlds biggest toy store is closing down at the end of January, 2016. That doesn’t mean that TRU will be going anywhere as a brand though, as the toy giant has over a thousand stores globally and 13 in New York City alone.

They’ll also be pursuing another location in the city that never sleeps for a brand new flagship store. In fact, some reports even have a deal signed and sealed already. But while a new toy HQ will be no doubt be made into something special for the company and its fans, there’s nothing like the original, which is in a class all by itself as far as I’m concerned.

So the point is, if you love TRU (and toys in general) and you’re in the New York area, maybe make it your business to get down to the crossroads of the world tonight and celebrate The Force Awakens with Toys R Us.

And while you’re there, say ‘hi’ to Geoffrey for me. Just uh… watch out for the lightsaber. I’m not sure how much training he’s had.