Hello Buybuy Baby! Big Box Retail Returns to Mission Viejo

The big box retailers west of I-5 off Oso Parkway got a shot in the arm Tuesday when Buybuy Baby quietly opened its doors to the public.

The 36,000-square-foot, baby-focused shop will directly compete with nearby Babies R Us.

• Address: 25322 El Paseo
• Phone: 949-282-0024

It's one of the first signs of business-as-usual from the center, which lost CompUSA, Borders Bookstore and Linens N Things during and soon after the Great Recession.

Store manager Mike O’Toole said he was excited to help bring the store, owned by Bed, Bath and Beyond, to Mission Viejo. But for specific questions, he directed Patch to the corporate office.

Spokeswoman Danielle Sherman wouldn't specifically say why Mission Viejo was chosen as one of the store's only California locations. She said they are seeking new locations "where we will be able to offer our new customers the broad assortment and outstanding customer service that is Buy Buy Baby."

O'Toole said no grand opening is expected.

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