Toys "R" Us has introduced expanded departments for musical instruments in upfront locations at some stores. Stores in at least two markets -- Chicago and Raleigh, NC -- are showcasing two-aisle instrument departments carrying products from First Act. In-line headers with a blue-and-gray color scheme divide the department by instrument: pianos, electric guitars, acoustic guitars and drums. The products are displayed out of their boxes, which represents a new tactic for Toys "R" Us in the category. Channel strips offer a variety of information, including the appropriateness of the instruments for specific age groups, heights and skill levels. For instance, a mid-sized acoustic guitar is marked as best for a "bigger kid" at a beginner or intermediate skill level, while a full-sized SKU is identified as ideal for an older child or adult with intermediate to advanced skills.Signs also direct shoppers to an exclusive toll-free hotline operated by First Act for the chain. Boston-based First Act sells instruments through Target, Walmart and other retailers, but furnishes Toys "R" Us with exclusive SKUs. Smaller sections nearby continue to carry instruments from other brands, including keyboards from Yamaha and Casio. These products are marked by similar in-line headers and more basic channel strips. Toys "R" Us did not respond to requests for additional information. Toys "R" Us, Wayne, NJ, operates 583 flagship stores and 262 Babies "R" Us stores in the U.S. Domestic sales in first-quarter 2009 (ended May 2) decreased 5.1% to $1.6 billion, as comparable-store sales dropped 5.4%. In its quarterly report, the company blamed the decline in part to a decrease in "sales of higher priced items" such as furniture and bedding. It also noted that the decrease was partially offset by the conversion of some traditional stores to side-by-side (adjoining toy and Babies "R" Us units) or "R" superstore formats, expanded health and beauty offerings, and the introduction of "R" Market grocery departments. (See Related Articles.) Last month, Toys "R" Us circulars began devoting one or two pages to the new "R" Market departments.