Charles Lazarus and the History of Toys R Us I. Charles Lazarus - Biographical Information Charles Lazarus, one of several children, was born on October 4, 1923. The Lazarus family lived in an apartment above their shop in Washington D.C. His father bought old, broken bicycles, repaired and painted them, and then sold them for a profit. Charles spent a great deal of time in his father's bicycle shop when he was young. When he grew older, he helped his father fix the bikes and serve customers, as well as give input on how to improve the business. Charles didn't understand why their store didn't sell new bikes, and his father explained that la