US retailer Toys ‘R’ Us plans to open 600 Toys ‘R’ Us Express stores in malls and shopping centers nationwide during the 2010 Christmas season, thereby doubling the number of its US locations.

The 4,000-square-foot pop-up stores will add to the current 587 full-size Toys ‘R’ Us stores in the US, and are expected to create 10,000 new jobs in advance of traditional expansion of its workforce for the 2010 holiday season. Aside from the temporary locations, Toys ‘R’ Us is launching eight permanent outlet stores. The Express stores will house a cross-section of playthings and perennial favorites, including dolls, action figures and educational toys to fit every budget. Gift cards, among the most popular items purchased at the Toys ‘R’ Us Express stores last year, are also available.

The expansion comes after the success of Toys ‘R’ Us’ first 90 pop-up stores last year, many of which have remained open through 2010. New Toys ‘R’ Us Express locations began opening in June in malls and shopping centers nationwide, and will continue to roll out through early November. Similar to last year, the company will look for opportunities to keep select stores open following the holiday season.