Final Farewell: Toys R Us Bows Out of the Scene
On Friday, June 29, the last of the iconic toy emporiums across the United States put a big stop sign on their doors. A little less than a decade after it opened, Toys R Us—known for its belly‑laughing catalog of games and plush pals—was finally shuttering its storefronts. The company’s website flashed a farewell note next to a smiling image of Geoffrey the Giraffe, urging fans to “Play on!” and reminding everyone that growing up is optional.
Geoffrey’s Heart‑felt Thank‑You
“Thanks to each of you who shared your amazing journey to (and through) parenthood with us, and to every grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother and sister who’s built a couch‑cushion rocket ship, made up a hero adventure, or invented something gooey,” the message read.
“Promise us just this one thing: Don’t ever grow up. Play on!” it added—riffing on the legendary slogan that once had kids hanging onto toys like a lifeline.
More Than 700 Doors Closed
A staggering over 700 Toys R Us stores have thrown their shutters on the U.S. floor. When the giant toy retailer liquidated, it left a dent not only for the big names that sold their stuff there—Mattel, Hasbro, LEGO, and a host of others—but also for the micro‑toymakers that depended on a slot in a Toys R Us shelf to bring their first creations to life.
Why Did It All Collapse?
- – Chapter 11 filing in September (aimed to untangle $5 billion in debt linked to a $6.6 billion leveraged buy‑out back in 2005)
- – A pivot in March to sell its Canada, Asia and Europe ventures while pulling the plug on U.S. stores
- – A fierce retail battlefield that has already seen 8,000 U.S. shops shut the door in 2017—double the decade‑long average according to the International Council of Shopping Centres
Who Might Grab the Toy‑60 Market Share?
When the giants close, Walmart, Target, JC Penney, Kohls, and Bed Bath & Beyond could step up their toy lines. Even drugstores like CVS and Rite Aid, plus discount corners such as Dollar General and TJ Maxx, are poised to lift their toy aisles a bit higher. Online players—Amazon, Shopify, and so on—will also find room for their shelves to bloom.
What This Means for Tomorrow
The Toys R Us exit is a reminder of how fickle the retail landscape can be. As players swoop for the Babe‑in‑crust, the toys that once marched every season may now find a new home, and the dream of a pure‑toy paradise continues to buzz among the stars of the industry.
