Where is kb from

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: KB, also known as KB Toys, was founded in 1922 by the Kaufman brothers in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The company grew to become one of the largest toy retailers in the United States, operating over 1,300 stores at its peak in the late 1990s before filing for bankruptcy in 2004 and eventually ceasing operations in 2009.

Key Facts

Founded in 1922 by the Kaufman brothers in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Operated over 1,300 stores at its peak in the late 1990s
Filed for bankruptcy in 2004
Ceased operations in 2009
Originally named Kaufman Brothers before rebranding to KB Toys in 1972

Overview

KB Toys, originally known as Kaufman Brothers, was founded in 1922 by brothers Harry and Joseph Kaufman in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The company began as a wholesale candy and tobacco distributor before transitioning into the toy retail business in the 1940s. This strategic shift capitalized on the post-World War II economic boom and growing consumer demand for children's entertainment products. The Kaufmans recognized the potential in the toy market as families expanded and disposable income increased across America.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, KB Toys expanded steadily, opening stores primarily in shopping malls across the northeastern United States. The company rebranded from Kaufman Brothers to KB Toys in 1972 to create a more memorable and child-friendly identity. By the 1980s, KB Toys had become a major player in the toy retail industry, competing directly with larger chains like Toys "R" Us. The company's growth accelerated significantly in the 1990s through aggressive expansion and strategic acquisitions.

How It Works

KB Toys operated as a specialty retail chain focused exclusively on toys, games, and children's entertainment products.

Key Point 1: KB Toys employed a multi-channel retail strategy with over 1,300 stores at its peak, primarily located in shopping malls across all 50 states. The company generated approximately $2 billion in annual revenue during its most successful years in the late 1990s, making it the second-largest toy retailer in the United States after Toys "R" Us.
Key Point 2: The company maintained a diverse product inventory of approximately 10,000-15,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) per store, ranging from popular licensed merchandise to educational toys. KB Toys was particularly known for its extensive video game sections, which accounted for about 30% of total sales during the peak gaming seasons.
Key Point 3: KB Toys implemented a sophisticated supply chain system with regional distribution centers strategically located across the country. The company maintained relationships with over 500 manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, allowing for rapid inventory turnover of 4-6 times annually to keep products fresh and seasonal.
Key Point 4: The retailer developed a unique promotional strategy featuring "KB Bargain Basement" sections in every store, where discontinued or overstocked items were sold at discounts of 50-75% off original prices. This approach helped maintain customer traffic during non-holiday periods and contributed to approximately 15% of total annual sales.

Key Comparisons

Feature	KB Toys	Toys "R" Us
Store Count (Peak)	1,300+ stores	1,600+ stores
Average Store Size	3,000-5,000 sq ft	40,000+ sq ft
Primary Locations	Shopping malls	Standalone big-box
Annual Revenue (1999)	$2 billion	$11 billion
Bankruptcy Filing	2004	2017

Why It Matters

Impact 1: KB Toys employed over 15,000 people at its peak, contributing significantly to local economies across the United States. The company's presence in shopping malls helped drive foot traffic and supported other retailers, with KB stores typically generating 10-15% of total mall traffic during holiday seasons.
Impact 2: The retailer played a crucial role in making toys accessible to middle-class families through its competitive pricing strategy. KB Toys maintained prices approximately 10-15% below major competitors while offering frequent promotions, making quality toys more affordable for millions of American families.
Impact 3: KB Toys served as an important distribution channel for smaller toy manufacturers who couldn't secure shelf space in larger chains. The company worked with hundreds of independent manufacturers, helping bring innovative products to market that might otherwise have been overlooked by larger retailers.

The legacy of KB Toys continues to influence modern retail strategies, particularly in how specialty chains approach niche markets and customer engagement. While the company ceased operations in 2009, its business model demonstrated the viability of focused retail concepts in competitive markets. The rise of e-commerce and changing consumer shopping habits ultimately transformed the toy retail landscape, but KB Toys' emphasis on customer experience and product accessibility remains relevant. Looking forward, the lessons from KB Toys' rise and fall continue to inform retail strategies in an increasingly digital marketplace where physical stores must offer unique experiences to remain competitive.