THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The former Sunnyvale Toys "R" Us became famous for reports of a male ghost often called John or Johann, believed to have died on or near the property long before the store was built. Employees reported unexplained footsteps, moving merchandise, and sightings of a mysterious man, and paranormal investigators famously examined the location.
This retail store is said to be haunted by a ghost of a man named Johnson, John, or Johann. Psychics who have investigated say he was an 1880s ranch hand and preacher who died of axe wounds while working in an orchard. Employees report that objects jump off the shelves and they feel breezes as the ghost walks by. His apparition has been seen, and he likes to play pranks, like setting a teddy bear to appear in every aisle as staff walks by or bouncing a ball down the aisle. The unexplained smell of flowers is said to appear in one aisle, and the ghost also likes to turn on the faucets in the women’s restrooms. Reports say the spirit limits himself to playing tricks, and has never harmed anyone.