Child World was a major US toy retailer known for its distinctive castle-like stores, Peter Panda mascot, and vast selection, but it went bankrupt and closed all locations in 1992 due to financial issues and increased competition, particularly from Toys "R" Us. The brand name was later revived by new owners in the 2000s, focusing on liquidation sales, but it's a discontinued concept from its original heyday.

Key Characteristics of the Original Child World:

Architecture: White brick buildings with red-topped turrets, resembling a fairytale castle.

Mascot: Peter Panda, who wore overalls and roller skates.

Selection: Huge, fully stocked shelves with popular movie & TV licenses (Star Wars, Ninja Turtles) and a wide variety of toys.

Slogans: "There's no other world like Child World, it's the hap hap happy store!".

Why It Discontinued:

Bankruptcy: Filed for bankruptcy in 1992, struggling with financial management and competition.

Toys "R" Us Dominance: The rise of Toys "R" Us squeezed out competitors like Child World.

Supply Issues: Toy manufacturers stopped shipping to them, leading to empty shelves.