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AMERICA ’ S FOREMOST TOY retailer , Toys “ R ” Us , cashed in on the post-war baby boom by forming a store aimed specifically at kids in 1948 . Its official ‘ spokesanimal ’, Geoffrey the giraffe ( formerly and formally known as Dr . G . Raffe ) made his debut in 1957 , and he and his family feature heavily in many Toys “ R ” Us commercials .
The 1981 Christmas advert features
Geoffrey , wife , and child leaving their cosy home with a wood fire , driving through the snow in an open-top car ( chilly , but necessary for those with long necks ), and visiting Toys “ R ” Us to revel in the vast array of available products . A simple concept , but people very rarely need convincing to visit enormous chain toy stores .
‘ Geoffrey goes Christmas shopping ’