*Thread title modified to reflect impending closure of all US stores
Unless a last-minute suitor or restructuring agreement emerges, it's all over
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-08/toys-r-us-said-to-be-prepping-liquidation-of-u-s-operations
Wow. Very sad to see this happen.
Tremendously sad. Not many in my area, but still a loss. Walmart's selection is often poor, and it seems like Target is carrying less, so not sure whats left aside from Amazon.
I feel sad for the kids of tomorrow-I still remember the magic of walking into a Toys R Us for the first time back in the 80's.
WOW! That was awfully fast.
It's almost like Circuit City all over again.
If this goes through, I'll attempt to document the closing at both Manchester and Waterford, CT. (Attempt as in maybe once before, during, and after closing down)
Quote from: JJBers on March 08, 2018, 11:34:48 PM
WOW! That was awfully fast.
It's almost like Circuit City all over again.
If this goes through, I'll attempt to document the closing at both Manchester and Waterford, CT. (Attempt as in maybe once before, during, and after closing down)
THIS IS THE WORST NEWS: They were only bankrupt for 6 months!!! and now they die! I guessed there is a chance they wont make it to CHRISTMAS. Whats chances they will die? And and and and when will they all go out if so?
This also falls right near my birthday!
The articles keyword may close. I wouldn't get ahead of this news just yet. It's a buzzy article...
Liquidate could simply mean, they're going to close more stores.
from the web:
What is Liquidation?
Liquidation generally refers to the process of selling off a company’s inventory, typically at a big discount, to generate cash. In most cases, a liquidation sale is a precursor to a business closing. Once all the assets have been sold, the business is shut down.
In the accounting world, liquidation refers to the process of selling all of a company’s assets to generate cash to pay off creditors, or anyone the company owes money to.
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 09, 2018, 08:11:42 AM
The articles keyword may close. I wouldn't get ahead of this news just yet. It's a buzzy article...
Liquidate could simply mean, they're going to close more stores.
from the web:
What is Liquidation?
Liquidation generally refers to the process of selling off a company’s inventory, typically at a big discount, to generate cash. In most cases, a liquidation sale is a precursor to a business closing. Once all the assets have been sold, the business is shut down.
In the accounting world, liquidation refers to the process of selling all of a company’s assets to generate cash to pay off creditors, or anyone the company owes money to.
When will all be closed by???
Typically what happens is that the retailer sells all of its remaining inventory to a liquidator,
a company that specializes in winding down business and disposing of existing inventory.
They liquidator will negotiate a deal to buy all remaining inventory from the retailer for some fraction
of its value and then will take over and run the Going Out of Business sales themselves, looking to profit on whatever
they can make on those goods above the price they paid.
Retailers will generally go for this deal as although they are getting less than full dollar value
on the merchandise, this enables them to unload the stores quickly and wind-down business
in a timely manner.
I do wonder if they will sell fixtures.. Seeing as to me never seeing a TRU actually close down iim not sure if they will sell the fixtures. Im hoping but Im not sure
Quote from: Amesguy2000 on March 09, 2018, 09:58:31 AM
I do wonder if they will sell fixtures.. Seeing as to me never seeing a TRU actually close down iim not sure if they will sell the fixtures. Im hoping but Im not sure
when will they all close. I wish they'd see Christmas 2018.
I hate to be the barer of non positives but doesn't look like they will
Quote from: Amesguy2000 on March 09, 2018, 01:09:07 PM
I hate to be the barer of non positives but doesn't look like they will
they died too fast! And when will they all go ya think and how this news falls 1 week before my birthday.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 09, 2018, 11:31:33 AM
Quote from: Amesguy2000 on March 09, 2018, 09:58:31 AM
I do wonder if they will sell fixtures.. Seeing as to me never seeing a TRU actually close down iim not sure if they will sell the fixtures. Im hoping but Im not sure
when will they all close. I wish they'd see Christmas 2018.
If this is like any other closure, they might not even be around for Halloween of this year.
The world is not going to end because Toys "R" Us is closing. They never had any Toys "R" Us stores in Mexico in the past 60 years and it never had any effect on them.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 10, 2018, 10:15:14 PM
The world is not going to end because Toys "R" Us is closing. They never had any Toys "R" Us stores in Mexico in the past 60 years and it never had any effect on them.
well Mexico is a developing Country and South America doesnt too
I feel really bad as its beeen a huge fixture in my life, and its worse when this announcement is being made when my birthday is coming up (its this coming Friday). When will they all c lose? I feel bad but yet not surprised, du e to their poor results.
I hope a last minute rescue happens and there will then be NO more real toy stores left.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 10, 2018, 10:39:02 PM
I hope a last minute rescue happens and there will then be NO more real toy stores left.
Maybe not chains, but there are still independent toys shops around. For example: I live in Connecticut and these are independent toy shops I know off the top of my head.
West Hartford: The Toy Chest
Manchester: Time Machine Toy & Hobby
Middletown: Amatao's
New Britain: Amatao's
What is going on with these chain retailers. All of a sudden, even after the recession ten years ago, they are all in debt. It's crazy to think TRU is thinking of abruptly shutting down all stores in a short time after only mentions of financial difficulty and yet Kmart/Sears is still going despite a long and painful decline.
There's a store in my area (Green Bay, Wisconsin) called "School House," which specializes in school supplies, art supplies and educational toys including LEGO and Playmobil products.
Quote from: AmesNewington on March 11, 2018, 09:44:54 AM
What is going on with these chain retailers. All of a sudden, even after the recession ten years ago, they are all in debt. It's crazy to think TRU is thinking of abruptly shutting down all stores in a short time after only mentions of financial difficulty and yet Kmart/Sears is still going despite a long and painful decline.
In the case of Kmart/Sears, Eddie Lampert has a number of financial levers to pull to keep the operation in business (in a manner of speaking) while TRU's options are much more limited. TRU's impending demise is the culmination of a number of bad decisions over a period of years. Even the timing of their bankruptcy filing was bungled, as it left the company starved for resources just as the holiday season was beginning. Poor holiday sales results sealed their fate. They ran out of time and out of options.
Quote from: retailisking on March 11, 2018, 09:58:48 AM
Quote from: AmesNewington on March 11, 2018, 09:44:54 AM
What is going on with these chain retailers. All of a sudden, even after the recession ten years ago, they are all in debt. It's crazy to think TRU is thinking of abruptly shutting down all stores in a short time after only mentions of financial difficulty and yet Kmart/Sears is still going despite a long and painful decline.
In the case of Kmart/Sears, Eddie Lampert has a number of financial levers to pull to keep the operation in business (in a manner of speaking) while TRU's options are much more limited. TRU's impending demise is the culmination of a number of bad decisions over a period of years. Even the timing of their bankruptcy filing was bungled, as it left the company starved for resources just as the holiday season was beginning. Poor holiday sales results sealed their fate. They ran out of time and out of options.
TOYS R US problems go back to 15 years ago. I can remember in 2004 they had bad sales and said to seperate Toys r us and BAbies R us and close stores and they did 12 years ago. Why was Duluth MN one of them as its the only Toys r us till Minneapolis 150 miles away or Grand Junction which the nearest other one is 250 miles way. They buyout caused the debt and ate into spending in their biz. I know full well it was not just AMAZON
I guess people will have to go to Target, Meijer or Walmart to find the latest toys once the Toys "R" Us in my area closes.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 06:35:20 PM
I guess people will have to go to Target, Meijer or Walmart to find the latest toys once the Toys "R" Us in my area closes.
can't Amazon make a physical toy chain? We need a store like that. When will they all close?
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 11, 2018, 07:09:35 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 06:35:20 PM
I guess people will have to go to Target, Meijer or Walmart to find the latest toys once the Toys "R" Us in my area closes.
can't Amazon make a physical toy chain? We need a store like that. When will they all close?
Amazon is not in the business to just sell toys. If Amazon does a store, it's going to be like their store in Seattle, which sells everything. It is speculated TRU is going out of business soon.
Toys "R" Us shutting down shows that the physical toy store market is not as big as it was 20 years ago.
Plus when I grew up (and even now), I never had a Toys R Us. I got all my toys at Walmart.
Quote from: Brammy on March 11, 2018, 05:25:12 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 10, 2018, 10:39:02 PM
I hope a last minute rescue happens and there will then be NO more real toy stores left.
Maybe not chains, but there are still independent toys shops around. For example: I live in Connecticut and these are independent toy shops I know off the top of my head.
West Hartford: The Toy Chest
Manchester: Time Machine Toy & Hobby
Middletown: Amatao's
New Britain: Amatao's
Time Machine is a great hobby store...before I moved, I was a member of the model railroading club.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 07:43:19 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 11, 2018, 07:09:35 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 06:35:20 PM
I guess people will have to go to Target, Meijer or Walmart to find the latest toys once the Toys "R" Us in my area closes.
can't Amazon make a physical toy chain? We need a store like that. When will they all close?
Amazon is not in the business to just sell toys. If Amazon does a store, it's going to be like their store in Seattle, which sells everything. It is speculated TRU is going out of business soon.
WE NEED A STORE LIKE TOYS R US. also will they be around by June 21?
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 11, 2018, 09:01:46 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 07:43:19 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 11, 2018, 07:09:35 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 06:35:20 PM
I guess people will have to go to Target, Meijer or Walmart to find the latest toys once the Toys "R" Us in my area closes.
can't Amazon make a physical toy chain? We need a store like that. When will they all close?
Amazon is not in the business to just sell toys. If Amazon does a store, it's going to be like their store in Seattle, which sells everything. It is speculated TRU is going out of business soon.
WE NEED A STORE LIKE TOYS R US. also will they be around by June 21?
If you want a toy store so much, you should START YOUR OWN TOY STORE.
If you're wondering if TRU will still be around by June...I would not count on it.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 10:01:24 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 11, 2018, 09:01:46 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 07:43:19 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 11, 2018, 07:09:35 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 11, 2018, 06:35:20 PM
I guess people will have to go to Target, Meijer or Walmart to find the latest toys once the Toys "R" Us in my area closes.
can't Amazon make a physical toy chain? We need a store like that. When will they all close?
Amazon is not in the business to just sell toys. If Amazon does a store, it's going to be like their store in Seattle, which sells everything. It is speculated TRU is going out of business soon.
WE NEED A STORE LIKE TOYS R US. also will they be around by June 21?
If you want a toy store so much, you should START YOUR OWN TOY STORE.
If you're wondering if TRU will still be around by June...I would not count on it.
There is always liquidation sales. this chain has been a staple in my life and its worse when this news falls this time as my birthday is on Friday. I went to some of the closing Toys r us recently in Albany GA, Fayetteville GA, near Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh PA and WIlliamsport PA, Newington CT and North HAven CT. I noticed if the mall near the Toys r us is dying the Toys r us will leave also eventually.
There was a story at the top of the 8AM hour this morning on Good Morning America that said the Liquidation Sale could begin as soon as this week. And besides the usual suspects of of Walmart, Target, and Amazon benefiting from the demise of Toys R Us, expect Kohl's, JC Penney, and Party City to benefit from the demise of Toys R Us as well. Kohl's and JC Penney recently expanded their toy departments. As for Party City I think they mentioned them since TRU sells some party supplies.
Forbes contributor adding to the clickbaity-ness with this headline: "Farewell Toys R Us, We Will Miss You" https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradthomas/2018/03/12/farewell-toys-r-us-we-will-miss-you/
Ugh. For shame...
We are still in "wait and see" mode as I write this article, with respect to how Toys R Us will proceed with liquidating its assets. But I can’t help but think through logical replacements for those 800 stores. Dick’s Sporting Goods? Not really growing. Lidl? Likely too big, plus their growth plans have stalled. H&M? Not so sure about a shopping center. Nordstrom Rack? Might not be in the right market.
So basically, nothing new to report since last week's announcement.
In the midst of it, Toys R Us Twitter feed has been silent since the announcement on March 9th.
Of all the apocalypse reports out there, still, nobody knows yet.
Yea I've been waiting all day because im "In on the middle of a tightrope but wondering if i wanna stay on or fall off" meaning im just waiting to see if itll happen or not... the announcements supposed to apparently come today or tomarrow
Quote from: Brammy on March 12, 2018, 07:40:23 AM
There was a story at the top of the 8AM hour this morning on Good Morning America that said the Liquidation Sale could begin as soon as this week. And besides the usual suspects of of Walmart, Target, and Amazon benefiting from the demise of Toys R Us, expect Kohl's, JC Penney, and Party City to benefit from the demise of Toys R Us as well. Kohl's and JC Penney recently expanded their toy departments. As for Party City I think they mentioned them since TRU sells some party supplies.
They do (which makes sense if someone is shopping for gifts for a birthday they can pick up those items for the party without making another stop).
In fact, probably the only reason I've actually been in one lately (not needing toys) was after the holiday season to see what stuff they had marked down in things like wrapping and other holiday related items.
Quote from: BillyGr on March 12, 2018, 02:00:03 PM
Quote from: Brammy on March 12, 2018, 07:40:23 AM
There was a story at the top of the 8AM hour this morning on Good Morning America that said the Liquidation Sale could begin as soon as this week. And besides the usual suspects of of Walmart, Target, and Amazon benefiting from the demise of Toys R Us, expect Kohl's, JC Penney, and Party City to benefit from the demise of Toys R Us as well. Kohl's and JC Penney recently expanded their toy departments. As for Party City I think they mentioned them since TRU sells some party supplies.
They do (which makes sense if someone is shopping for gifts for a birthday they can pick up those items for the party without making another stop).
In fact, probably the only reason I've actually been in one lately (not needing toys) was after the holiday season to see what stuff they had marked down in things like wrapping and other holiday related items.
NO NEWS so far.
Other retailers that could benefit could include closeout/bargain/overstock retailers like Big Lots and Ollie's Bargain Outlet. A lot of TRU's unsold merchandise has to go somewhere...
still no news
http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/13/news/companies/toys-r-us-jingle/index.html
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 13, 2018, 07:01:32 AM
still no news
I THINK I caught, in passing, something on the book of faces that Thursday might be the meeting or whatever that TRU is supposed to have.
Quote from: busman_49 on March 13, 2018, 08:56:48 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 13, 2018, 07:01:32 AM
still no news
I THINK I caught, in passing, something on the book of faces that Thursday might be the meeting or whatever that TRU is supposed to have.
WHAT???
I hadn't saw that
http://abc11.com/business/reports-toys-r-us-to-announce-closure-of-stores-nationwide/3210067/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-13/toys-r-us-is-said-to-have-missed-vendor-payments-as-woes-mount
Quote from: Amesguy2000 on March 13, 2018, 01:59:42 PM
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-13/toys-r-us-is-said-to-have-missed-vendor-payments-as-woes-mount
I read and Thursday is the hearing and thats the day before my birthday too.
We'll see what happens. One of the guys who runs the Dead and Dying Retail Facebook Page did a Facebook Live yesterday stating that there are a lot of false stories about Toys R Us out there and for the moment things remain business as usual at Toys R Us.
Quote from: Brammy on March 14, 2018, 05:32:15 AM
We'll see what happens. One of the guys who runs the Dead and Dying Retail Facebook Page did a Facebook Live yesterday stating that there are a lot of false stories about Toys R Us out there and for the moment things remain business as usual at Toys R Us.
what month will they all close?
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 14, 2018, 08:05:19 AM
Quote from: Brammy on March 14, 2018, 05:32:15 AM
We'll see what happens. One of the guys who runs the Dead and Dying Retail Facebook Page did a Facebook Live yesterday stating that there are a lot of false stories about Toys R Us out there and for the moment things remain business as usual at Toys R Us.
what month will they all close?
It'll probably be a couple of months for all the stores to close.
Quote from: JJBers on March 14, 2018, 08:22:05 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 14, 2018, 08:05:19 AM
Quote from: Brammy on March 14, 2018, 05:32:15 AM
We'll see what happens. One of the guys who runs the Dead and Dying Retail Facebook Page did a Facebook Live yesterday stating that there are a lot of false stories about Toys R Us out there and for the moment things remain business as usual at Toys R Us.
what month will they all close?
It'll probably be a couple of months for all the stores to close.
I am going to Reno NV May 30 and hope they will be left then. There is one there but I am going to see the city. my birthday is on FRIDAY And sucks how this news is at this time.
Here's the latest news:
Now, survival of the fittest...
Toys "R" Us looking to keep only 200 of the most profitable or so stores open. If this comes to pass, we might get a good idea on why some of those old-school ones (Montgomery, Clay, Boardman, St. Clairsville and Horseheads) have lasted so long as brown-roofed stores.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-is-exploring-a-plan-that-could-keep-200-stores-open-even-after-liquidation.html
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 14, 2018, 02:45:56 PM
Here's the latest news:
Now, survival of the fittest...
Toys "R" Us looking to keep only 200 of the most profitable or so stores open. If this comes to pass, we might get a good idea on why some of those old-school ones (Montgomery, Clay, Boardman, St. Clairsville and Horseheads) have lasted so long as brown-roofed stores.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-is-exploring-a-plan-that-could-keep-200-stores-open-even-after-liquidation.html
what will that mean of Portland maine?
I feel if any in NH go its CONCORD.
BUT, old school ones doesnt mean it will close.
I feel ones at risk of closing are in trade areas of 150,000 people or less, or in areas of many or in dying shopping areas (like Swansea Mass).
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 14, 2018, 03:24:04 PM
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 14, 2018, 02:45:56 PM
Here's the latest news:
Now, survival of the fittest...
Toys "R" Us looking to keep only 200 of the most profitable or so stores open. If this comes to pass, we might get a good idea on why some of those old-school ones (Montgomery, Clay, Boardman, St. Clairsville and Horseheads) have lasted so long as brown-roofed stores.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-is-exploring-a-plan-that-could-keep-200-stores-open-even-after-liquidation.html
what will that mean of Portland maine?
I feel if any in NH go its CONCORD.
BUT, old school ones doesnt mean it will close.
I feel ones at risk of closing are in trade areas of 150,000 people or less, or in areas of many or in dying shopping areas (like Swansea Mass).
We can knock off Waterford of the open list if that comes through.
Quote from: JJBers on March 14, 2018, 03:50:00 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 14, 2018, 03:24:04 PM
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 14, 2018, 02:45:56 PM
Here's the latest news:
Now, survival of the fittest...
Toys "R" Us looking to keep only 200 of the most profitable or so stores open. If this comes to pass, we might get a good idea on why some of those old-school ones (Montgomery, Clay, Boardman, St. Clairsville and Horseheads) have lasted so long as brown-roofed stores.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-is-exploring-a-plan-that-could-keep-200-stores-open-even-after-liquidation.html
what will that mean of Portland maine?
I feel if any in NH go its CONCORD.
BUT, old school ones doesnt mean it will close.
I feel ones at risk of closing are in trade areas of 150,000 people or less, or in areas of many or in dying shopping areas (like Swansea Mass).
We can knock off Waterford of the open list if that comes through.
the market of Waterford has 250,000 people or more.
This just in - Toys R Us to close all remaining US stores
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-to-close-all-800-of-its-u-s-stores
rip tru
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 04:48:59 PM
This just in - Toys R Us to close all remaining US stores
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-to-close-all-800-of-its-u-s-stores
whats chances it will happen?
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 14, 2018, 09:40:41 PM
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 04:48:59 PM
This just in - Toys R Us to close all remaining US stores
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-to-close-all-800-of-its-u-s-stores
whats chances it will happen?
Almost 100%, unless the purported bid for the Canadian stores includes some of the US locations as well.
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 09:48:54 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 14, 2018, 09:40:41 PM
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 04:48:59 PM
This just in - Toys R Us to close all remaining US stores
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-to-close-all-800-of-its-u-s-stores
whats chances it will happen?
Almost 100%, unless the purported bid for the Canadian stores includes some of the US locations as well.
i am sad if it and i stopped in Concords store and the clerk knew nothing. And this had deflated my bday excitement , my bday is on friday.
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 09:48:54 PM
Almost 100%, unless the purported bid for the Canadian stores includes some of the US locations as well.
Thank you, Canada!
So is it really is happening?
The company still declines to comment which probably means they're preparing an official statement on what's really going on beyond media declaring them dead as if it's just the headline news of the week, using all these industry terms like administration and liquidation without just saying going out of business that aren't translating well to the public.
The questions no one has asked yet is:
How did the initial closings go from rougly 100 Toys R Us stores to all of them and within months?
How did they not see this coming and do waves of closings like SEARS/Kmart has been doing for years?
Has the company's top brass been this drunk for this many years to not have seen the hemorraging and closed stores in recent years?
Are Babies R Us stores also closing? I've seen no mention of Babies R Us mentioned when there were more Babies R Us stores than Toys R Us stores closing.
This all doesn't make a lot of sense -- but if it's true and we are waiting on the official statement from the company, it makes this one of the most colossal closures in retail history.
Surely, Toys R Us will emerge in name only -- maybe some major retailer will buy their name, maybe open up Toys R Us departments within stores?
Either way, many of us will have a ton of documenting to do of 800+ newly vacant stores this Summer...
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 15, 2018, 09:44:33 AM
So is it really is happening?
The company still declines to comment which probably means they're preparing an official statement on what's really going on beyond media declaring them dead as if it's just the headline news of the week, using all these industry terms like administration and liquidation without just saying going out of business that aren't translating well to the public.
The questions no one has asked yet is:
How did the initial closings go from rougly 100 Toys R Us stores to all of them and within months?
How did they not see this coming and do waves of closings like SEARS/Kmart has been doing for years?
Has the company's top brass been this drunk for this many years to not have seen the hemorraging and closed stores in recent years?
Are Babies R Us stores also closing? I've seen no mention of Babies R Us mentioned when there were more Babies R Us stores than Toys R Us stores closing.
This all doesn't make a lot of sense -- but if it's true and we are waiting on the official statement from the company, it makes this one of the most colossal closures in retail history.
Surely, Toys R Us will emerge in name only -- maybe some major retailer will buy their name, maybe open up Toys R Us departments within stores?
Either way, many of us will have a ton of documenting to do of 800+ newly vacant stores this Summer...
I am in such denial is there a way that they can be saved?
All TRU stores and BRU stores will close no later than July. An exact date closing date has not been announced. Several Consumer advocates say spend your gift cards now. Not to bring politics into this, but Senator Chuck Schumar (sp?) is trying to get the Federal Trade Commission to force TRU to give people cash for unused TRU gift cards.
The way this all played out didn't make sense and still doesn't. Some sources said all stores would close by the end of the week, and a few said the company was trying to save 200 locations. Will their online presence remain, as I see nothing different on their website. It would be nice if they kept a small percentage of stores or find a buyer. This is the largest shutdown of a retailer I can recall and so abrupt. They should have been closing stores right along. They are putting a lot of people out of work all at once. There must be more to this store. Ames at least had 1/2 the number of locations at the time of liquidation and were around before online shopping.
Seems to be much confusion overall.
Most likely the stories about all the stores closing by the end of the week were taking that they would close all the stores and for some reason thinking they would just close without warning, rather than doing closing sales (kind of like restaurants often do), but it seems that won't happen.
Apparently they are still trying to sell the Canadian locations and whoever is buying those might be interested in taking 200 stores in the US, but in the meantime they will still do sales at all the stores in case that doesn't happen. That would be similar to a few of the A&P locations that went through "closing" sales only to be picked up by other chains (ShopRite, Acme etc.) just as those sales were ending or shortly thereafter (the ones that were closed for more than just a couple days of resetting, like most of the locations S&S and Acme acquired were).
It also seems that they were hopeful that closing some locations (and the money obtained from that) would be enough to keep the rest going (which would be more like Sears or other chains have done) but that, also apparently did not work out, thus the sudden change. Although similar has happened to other chains (going from a partial closing to a total one during the bankruptcy).
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 14, 2018, 11:46:57 PM
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 09:48:54 PM
Almost 100%, unless the purported bid for the Canadian stores includes some of the US locations as well.
Thank you, Canada!
Actually, it's being done by MGA, a fully American company.
Though it would be nice, it's extremely unlikely that a company would buy out a dying category-killer brand.
Quote from: JJBers on March 15, 2018, 08:22:19 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 14, 2018, 11:46:57 PM
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 09:48:54 PM
Almost 100%, unless the purported bid for the Canadian stores includes some of the US locations as well.
Thank you, Canada!
Actually, it's being done by MGA, a fully American company.
Though it would be nice, it's extremely unlikely that a company would buy out a dying category-killer brand.
More bad news:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/15/toys-r-us-closing-bittersweet-for-kids-and-adults.html
The Toys "R" Us stores in Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin will close in May.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 15, 2018, 10:36:16 PM
Quote from: JJBers on March 15, 2018, 08:22:19 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 14, 2018, 11:46:57 PM
Quote from: retailisking on March 14, 2018, 09:48:54 PM
Almost 100%, unless the purported bid for the Canadian stores includes some of the US locations as well.
Thank you, Canada!
Actually, it's being done by MGA, a fully American company.
Though it would be nice, it's extremely unlikely that a company would buy out a dying category-killer brand.
More bad news:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/15/toys-r-us-closing-bittersweet-for-kids-and-adults.html
The Toys "R" Us stores in Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin will close in May.
I hope later to give time to vist one last time. THIS IS THE MOST SADDEST AND ALSO LARGEST NUMBERO F CLOSINGS. its real sad. OK now that its midnight its my birthday and this news has deflated my birthday excitement and somewhat ruined my birthday for me, and this news falls around then.
I went to Manchester NH store today and it was BUSY.
I guess a horrifying BAd Christmas season did it in.
Toys "R" Us is about to go the way of Ames.
As Dr. Seuss once said: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 17, 2018, 12:35:14 AM
Toys "R" Us is about to go the way of Ames.
As Dr. Seuss once said: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
this is the saddest since Ames Closed. A Big blow. This is as bad as an empire of where the leader gets killed.
Someone needs to step in where Toy sr us failed. There is A NEED for this kind of store! This did bring down my birthday though too.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 17, 2018, 12:38:49 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 17, 2018, 12:35:14 AM
Toys "R" Us is about to go the way of Ames.
As Dr. Seuss once said: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
this is the saddest since Ames Closed. A Big blow. This is as bad as an empire of where the leader gets killed.
Someone needs to step in where Toy sr us failed. There is A NEED for this kind of store! This did bring down my birthday though too.
Maybe this will spark a neighborhood toy store renaissance, now that, as of Summer 2018, the national toy store chains are extinct.
From what I heard, there's a great neighborhood toy store called "Child's Play" in Washington, D.C.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 17, 2018, 12:58:28 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 17, 2018, 12:38:49 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 17, 2018, 12:35:14 AM
Toys "R" Us is about to go the way of Ames.
As Dr. Seuss once said: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
this is the saddest since Ames Closed. A Big blow. This is as bad as an empire of where the leader gets killed.
Someone needs to step in where Toy sr us failed. There is A NEED for this kind of store! This did bring down my birthday though too.
Maybe this will spark a neighborhood toy store renaissance, now that, as of Summer 2018, the national toy store chains are extinct.
From what I heard, there's a great neighborhood toy store called "Child's Play" in Washington, D.C.
Just like VIDEO RENTALS.
there is a need for this kind of a store!!!
I make scenery/buildings for my diecast cars, was working on this when the news hit.
(http://www.amesfanclub.com/forum/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=66635&g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT) (http://amesfanclub.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery&g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT)
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 17, 2018, 01:25:18 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 17, 2018, 12:58:28 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 17, 2018, 12:38:49 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 17, 2018, 12:35:14 AM
Toys "R" Us is about to go the way of Ames.
As Dr. Seuss once said: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
this is the saddest since Ames Closed. A Big blow. This is as bad as an empire of where the leader gets killed.
Someone needs to step in where Toy sr us failed. There is A NEED for this kind of store! This did bring down my birthday though too.
Maybe this will spark a neighborhood toy store renaissance, now that, as of Summer 2018, the national toy store chains are extinct.
From what I heard, there's a great neighborhood toy store called "Child's Play" in Washington, D.C.
Just like VIDEO RENTALS.
there is a need for this kind of a store!!!
A very localized need. Just like toy stores from this point on.
this is the most depressing store chain closing. I feel this could have been prevented!!!!!!
Why didnt they prevent it???
Will another chain come and fill in Toys r us void and maybe have play areas what TOys r us should hvae done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 18, 2018, 08:48:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Real highlights from this video are seeing footage of Mr. Lazarus and, of course, a very rare 1970s Toys R Us design (with the four roof peaks and very long stripes!).
If you ever really think about it, these stores were very odd, dark and bunkered looking in their earliest incarnations!
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 19, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 18, 2018, 08:48:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Real highlights from this video are seeing footage of Mr. Lazarus and, of course, a very rare 1970s Toys R Us design (with the four roof peaks and very long stripes!).
If you ever really think about it, these stores were very odd, dark and bunkered looking in their earliest incarnations!
in this day and age ones that have the old school look wont look or work as well if not renovated since opened. I wish Toys r us was saved. Dave Brandon is like the Burgermiester Miesterburger.
How the tables have turned after they killed over Child world and Playworld.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 19, 2018, 11:32:32 AM
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 19, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 18, 2018, 08:48:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Real highlights from this video are seeing footage of Mr. Lazarus and, of course, a very rare 1970s Toys R Us design (with the four roof peaks and very long stripes!).
If you ever really think about it, these stores were very odd, dark and bunkered looking in their earliest incarnations!
in this day and age ones that have the old school look wont look or work as well if not renovated since opened. I wish Toys r us was saved. Dave Brandon is like the Burgermiester Miesterburger.
How the tables have turned after they killed over Child world and Playworld.
It was Mitt Romney and his friends at KKR, Bain Capital and Vornado who stole money from Toys "R" Us. They took so much money that Toys "R" Us wound up in debt. Mitt Romney is the traitor in this, while Dave Brandon stood and watched the "greatest toy store" crumble.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 19, 2018, 12:23:51 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 19, 2018, 11:32:32 AM
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 19, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 18, 2018, 08:48:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Real highlights from this video are seeing footage of Mr. Lazarus and, of course, a very rare 1970s Toys R Us design (with the four roof peaks and very long stripes!).
If you ever really think about it, these stores were very odd, dark and bunkered looking in their earliest incarnations!
in this day and age ones that have the old school look wont look or work as well if not renovated since opened. I wish Toys r us was saved. Dave Brandon is like the Burgermiester Miesterburger.
How the tables have turned after they killed over Child world and Playworld.
It was Mitt Romney and his friends at KKR, Bain Capital and Vornado who stole money from Toys "R" Us. They took so much money that Toys "R" Us wound up in debt. Mitt Romney is the traitor in this, while Dave Brandon stood and watched the "greatest toy store" crumble.
I was told last day of work at stores is May 14!!!! whats that mean?
and sales start Thursday. they canceled easter egg hunt and birthady parties.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 19, 2018, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 19, 2018, 12:23:51 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 19, 2018, 11:32:32 AM
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 19, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 18, 2018, 08:48:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Real highlights from this video are seeing footage of Mr. Lazarus and, of course, a very rare 1970s Toys R Us design (with the four roof peaks and very long stripes!).
If you ever really think about it, these stores were very odd, dark and bunkered looking in their earliest incarnations!
in this day and age ones that have the old school look wont look or work as well if not renovated since opened. I wish Toys r us was saved. Dave Brandon is like the Burgermiester Miesterburger.
How the tables have turned after they killed over Child world and Playworld.
It was Mitt Romney and his friends at KKR, Bain Capital and Vornado who stole money from Toys "R" Us. They took so much money that Toys "R" Us wound up in debt. Mitt Romney is the traitor in this, while Dave Brandon stood and watched the "greatest toy store" crumble.
I was told last day of work at stores is May 14!!!! whats that mean?
and sales start Thursday. they canceled easter egg hunt and birthady parties.
Maybe that location is closing on the 14th
Quote from: JJBers on March 19, 2018, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 19, 2018, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 19, 2018, 12:23:51 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 19, 2018, 11:32:32 AM
Quote from: XISMZERO on March 19, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 18, 2018, 08:48:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Actdg5JcM8
Real highlights from this video are seeing footage of Mr. Lazarus and, of course, a very rare 1970s Toys R Us design (with the four roof peaks and very long stripes!).
If you ever really think about it, these stores were very odd, dark and bunkered looking in their earliest incarnations!
in this day and age ones that have the old school look wont look or work as well if not renovated since opened. I wish Toys r us was saved. Dave Brandon is like the Burgermiester Miesterburger.
How the tables have turned after they killed over Child world and Playworld.
It was Mitt Romney and his friends at KKR, Bain Capital and Vornado who stole money from Toys "R" Us. They took so much money that Toys "R" Us wound up in debt. Mitt Romney is the traitor in this, while Dave Brandon stood and watched the "greatest toy store" crumble.
I was told last day of work at stores is May 14!!!! whats that mean?
and sales start Thursday. they canceled easter egg hunt and birthady parties.
Maybe that location is closing on the 14th
it said the chain was set to run out of cash by MAy without funding. So I guess theY HAD NO OTHER CHOICE. Christmas sales were 250 million below worst case projections. Weak Christmas sales will finish one off. Kmart and Sears are not far behind.
WHo will sell the collectors items that I got there now as only Toys r us did!!!
will WAlmart and Target increase their toy offerings????
KB Toys is confirmed to be returning this year, to capitalize on the demise of Toys "R" Us:
http://amesfanclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=81.210
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-toys-r-us-bankruptcy/dozens-of-toy-suppliers-object-to-toys-r-us-liquidation-plan-idUSKBN1GW1Q4 I hope there is hope.
How will KB coming back replace Toys r us? And ok doesnt Toy s rus closing their flagship store 3 yrs ago tell ya something?
Also Amazon wants to buy some of the stores
Also I FEEL KMART / SEARS is NEXT. What ya say to that?
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 20, 2018, 05:04:28 PM
Also Amazon wants to buy some of the stores
Not to use as TRU. For their own AMAZON stores.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-19/amazon-is-said-to-have-mulled-acquiring-some-toys-r-us-stores
Quote from: Brammy on March 21, 2018, 11:44:51 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 20, 2018, 05:04:28 PM
Also Amazon wants to buy some of the stores
Not to use as TRU. For their own AMAZON stores.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-19/amazon-is-said-to-have-mulled-acquiring-some-toys-r-us-stores
I have guessed this since the beginning they would do that.
I am really sad about Toys r us and its as sad as the Toy STory 3 movie.
NOW BRATZ FOUNDER Wants to buy out up to 400 stores. and OK if TOy sr us is saved or survives in someway I feel this was as bad as one faking their death and others sad and then find the person alive. Ie being put through this.
I went to concord's today and NO SALES! YET.
Last i heard they delayed the sale until Friday the 23rd. Meanwhile their founder just died at age 94.
http://www.wfsb.com/story/37787872/toys-r-us-founder-charles-lazarus-dies
Well Have They Started
Here's an interesting picture of Mr. Lazarus in front of a 1970s Toys R Us. This design was their common one in the 70s with a box-shaped canopy over the entrance, tall colored planks and lettering before it was mounted on the roof.
Going out of business signs are up, as of this morning at Waterford CT location.
Quote from: Bdubs on March 23, 2018, 09:04:47 PM
Going out of business signs are up, as of this morning at Waterford CT location.
Well, just missed that by a week.
(http://www.amesfanclub.com/forum/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=66641&g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT) (http://amesfanclub.com/forum/index.php/v/users/JJBers/?action=gallery&g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT)
I was at the SAles yesterday in Concord and Manchester. Discounts only at 10 percent off
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 11:40:11 AM
I was at the SAles yesterday in Concord and Manchester. Discounts only at 10 percent off
You must have missed the item that was 30% off (since the sign says 10-30% there must be something for it to be true...) ;)
Quote from: BillyGr on March 24, 2018, 01:28:05 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 11:40:11 AM
I was at the SAles yesterday in Concord and Manchester. Discounts only at 10 percent off
You must have missed the item that was 30% off (since the sign says 10-30% there must be something for it to be true...) ;)
it was mostly 10 percent off. Thy said stores are to close end of June.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 01:43:44 PM
Quote from: BillyGr on March 24, 2018, 01:28:05 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 11:40:11 AM
I was at the SAles yesterday in Concord and Manchester. Discounts only at 10 percent off
You must have missed the item that was 30% off (since the sign says 10-30% there must be something for it to be true...) ;)
it was mostly 10 percent off. Thy said stores are to close end of June.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO bring this chain back from the dead or fill in the void for Toys r us. its like the north pole shutting down and no Christmas.
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 26, 2018, 09:12:26 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 01:43:44 PM
Quote from: BillyGr on March 24, 2018, 01:28:05 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 11:40:11 AM
I was at the SAles yesterday in Concord and Manchester. Discounts only at 10 percent off
You must have missed the item that was 30% off (since the sign says 10-30% there must be something for it to be true...) ;)
it was mostly 10 percent off. Thy said stores are to close end of June.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO bring this chain back from the dead or fill in the void for Toys r us. its like the north pole shutting down and no Christmas.
Maybe Amazon will become the new Toys R Us in the toy department. (Online of a course)
Quote from: JJBers on March 26, 2018, 10:45:41 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 26, 2018, 09:12:26 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 01:43:44 PM
Quote from: BillyGr on March 24, 2018, 01:28:05 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 24, 2018, 11:40:11 AM
I was at the SAles yesterday in Concord and Manchester. Discounts only at 10 percent off
You must have missed the item that was 30% off (since the sign says 10-30% there must be something for it to be true...) ;)
it was mostly 10 percent off. Thy said stores are to close end of June.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO bring this chain back from the dead or fill in the void for Toys r us. its like the north pole shutting down and no Christmas.
Maybe Amazon will become the new Toys R Us in the toy department. (Online of a course)
here is STILL A NEED for a physical Toy store!
Toy makers are also said to be hurting following their demise. AS Far as I Am concerned DAve Brandon is the GRINCH. he failed to SAVE IT. Christmas SAles were 250 million BELOW Worst case projections and how much they made last Christmas was half they made in a year.
Here's something interesting. In the early 2000s, Tops and Toys R Us partnered up for a "store within a store" promotion where Toys R Us had a few aisles in select Tops stores. I didn't know a lot of supermarkets did this.
See the attached newspaper scan.
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on March 29, 2018, 02:41:36 PM
Here's something interesting. In the early 2000s, Tops and Toys R Us partnered up for a "store within a store" promotion where Toys R Us had a few aisles in select Tops stores. I didn't know a lot of supermarkets did this.
See the attached newspaper scan.
can't some toys r us be saved?
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on March 29, 2018, 02:41:36 PM
Here's something interesting. In the early 2000s, Tops and Toys R Us partnered up for a "store within a store" promotion where Toys R Us had a few aisles in select Tops stores. I didn't know a lot of supermarkets did this.
That was during the time that Ahold owned the chain, and I think they did the same in some of their other stores/chains also, as well as having one of the office stores partnered for that type of items.
Quote from: BillyGr on March 29, 2018, 03:56:00 PM
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on March 29, 2018, 02:41:36 PM
Here's something interesting. In the early 2000s, Tops and Toys R Us partnered up for a "store within a store" promotion where Toys R Us had a few aisles in select Tops stores. I didn't know a lot of supermarkets did this.
That was during the time that Ahold owned the chain, and I think they did the same in some of their other stores/chains also, as well as having one of the office stores partnered for that type of items.
I'm curious if they did that with the Stop and Shop in Willimantic or other areas around since there was no nearby Toys "R" Us.
Quote from: JJBers on March 29, 2018, 04:30:38 PM
Quote from: BillyGr on March 29, 2018, 03:56:00 PM
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on March 29, 2018, 02:41:36 PM
Here's something interesting. In the early 2000s, Tops and Toys R Us partnered up for a "store within a store" promotion where Toys R Us had a few aisles in select Tops stores. I didn't know a lot of supermarkets did this.
That was during the time that Ahold owned the chain, and I think they did the same in some of their other stores/chains also, as well as having one of the office stores partnered for that type of items.
I'm curious if they did that with the Stop and Shop in Willimantic or other areas around since there was no nearby Toys "R" Us.
I don't remember Stop & Shop partnering with Toys R Us in my area. However, I do remember Barnes & Noble book aisles and Staples stationary sections.
What of packaging 200 stores w Canada like they said?
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 29, 2018, 06:33:16 PM
What of packaging 200 stores w Canada like they said?
You won't get any answers from us if you keep asking us...
Quote from: ShopKoFan on March 30, 2018, 12:16:55 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on March 29, 2018, 06:33:16 PM
What of packaging 200 stores w Canada like they said?
You won't get any answers from us if you keep asking us...
I just hope it happens
Consumer Advocate Clark Howard reports that ONLINE SHOPPING for Toys "R" Us has been discontinued. Also baby items such as diapers, wipes, and formula are not on GOB Clearance. Further discounts of products would be made in about 1 month.
Quote from: Brammy on March 30, 2018, 11:47:07 AM
Consumer Advocate Clark Howard reports that ONLINE SHOPPING for Toys "R" Us has been discontinued. Also baby items such as diapers, wipes, and formula are not on GOB Clearance. Further discounts of products would be made in about 1 month.
Wow, maybe I'll get a good deal on Mario Odyssey during the sales. I'll maybe be there on Easter Sunday.
Quote from: JJBers on March 30, 2018, 12:44:05 PM
Quote from: Brammy on March 30, 2018, 11:47:07 AM
Consumer Advocate Clark Howard reports that ONLINE SHOPPING for Toys "R" Us has been discontinued. Also baby items such as diapers, wipes, and formula are not on GOB Clearance. Further discounts of products would be made in about 1 month.
Wow, maybe I'll get a good deal on Mario Odyssey during the sales. I'll maybe be there on Easter Sunday.
OK my hope is someone buys the brand and some properties of Toys r us and bring it back from the dead!!!
OK I am just mad it was not amazon it was management misteps and how they did not addrress the 5 billion in debt until it bit them in the a--- and didnt think of those "play labs" till it was TOO LATE. It reaches a pt where its too late
if they are to be brought back from the dead 2 things: watch their prices and add play areas (Which will then increase sales).
Why was Toys r us' business model called outdated?
OK Concords store told me they are staying at 10 percent as "They may get bought out". Whats she mean? And all of them are at mostly 10 percent off.
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 07, 2018, 09:12:37 PM
OK Concords store told me they are staying at 10 percent as "They may get bought out". Whats she mean? And all of them are at mostly 10 percent off.
I do not know if the auctions have occurred for property and stores. Many companies are interested in the companies assets including buildings. We also do not know if the Canadian buyer interested in stores has acted yet.
Quote from: esw01407 on April 08, 2018, 04:16:30 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 07, 2018, 09:12:37 PM
OK Concords store told me they are staying at 10 percent as "They may get bought out". Whats she mean? And all of them are at mostly 10 percent off.
I do not know if the auctions have occurred for property and stores. Many companies are interested in the companies assets including buildings. We also do not know if the Canadian buyer interested in stores has acted yet.
what? What is going on? Also them closing all the Toys r us is as bad as the Burgermeister setting the kids toys on fire.
If anyone has any leftover Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift cards, you can exchange them at Bed Bath and Beyond for a Buy Buy Baby card. We are trying to take advantage of TRU's failure.
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on April 08, 2018, 09:33:46 PM
If anyone has any leftover Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift cards, you can exchange them at Bed Bath and Beyond for a Buy Buy Baby card. We are trying to take advantage of TRU's failure.
Ha Ha. I saw this story on the Facebook Page of our local statewide newspaper The Hartford Courant. Some woman commented that it's a scam because BBB isn't giving full-value for the gift cards. I responded "Why should BBB give full-value for the gift cards?" And she replied that I was an idiot.
Quote from: Brammy on April 09, 2018, 06:55:07 AM
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on April 08, 2018, 09:33:46 PM
If anyone has any leftover Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift cards, you can exchange them at Bed Bath and Beyond for a Buy Buy Baby card. We are trying to take advantage of TRU's failure.
Ha Ha. I saw this story on the Facebook Page of our local statewide newspaper The Hartford Courant. Some woman commented that it's a scam because BBB isn't giving full-value for the gift cards. I responded "Why should BBB give full-value for the gift cards?" And she replied that I was an idiot.
What could Toys r us have done to survive bankruptcy?
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 09, 2018, 03:22:20 PM
Quote from: Brammy on April 09, 2018, 06:55:07 AM
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on April 08, 2018, 09:33:46 PM
If anyone has any leftover Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift cards, you can exchange them at Bed Bath and Beyond for a Buy Buy Baby card. We are trying to take advantage of TRU's failure.
Ha Ha. I saw this story on the Facebook Page of our local statewide newspaper The Hartford Courant. Some woman commented that it's a scam because BBB isn't giving full-value for the gift cards. I responded "Why should BBB give full-value for the gift cards?" And she replied that I was an idiot.
What could Toys r us have done to survive bankruptcy?
A lot...
Quote from: JJBers on April 09, 2018, 04:00:49 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 09, 2018, 03:22:20 PM
Quote from: Brammy on April 09, 2018, 06:55:07 AM
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on April 08, 2018, 09:33:46 PM
If anyone has any leftover Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift cards, you can exchange them at Bed Bath and Beyond for a Buy Buy Baby card. We are trying to take advantage of TRU's failure.
Ha Ha. I saw this story on the Facebook Page of our local statewide newspaper The Hartford Courant. Some woman commented that it's a scam because BBB isn't giving full-value for the gift cards. I responded "Why should BBB give full-value for the gift cards?" And she replied that I was an idiot.
What could Toys r us have done to survive bankruptcy?
A lot...
like what? This collapse was sudden I feel too. I felt if it was to happen it would have happened late First Quarter 2019.
http://www.businessinsider.com/kmart-store-photos-details-2018-3 I HOPE IT WORKS. IF IT DOES, I hope they can keep the prices DOWN and add play areas (And something MORE CREATIVE than kids playing with the latest toys, I have a few friends that Play Lab Thing feel iss just a gimmick)
Just go away. No one here gives a s h i t about your nonsensical incoherent ramblings.
Quote from: Brammy on April 09, 2018, 06:55:07 AM
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on April 08, 2018, 09:33:46 PM
If anyone has any leftover Toys R Us or Babies R Us gift cards, you can exchange them at Bed Bath and Beyond for a Buy Buy Baby card. We are trying to take advantage of TRU's failure.
Ha Ha. I saw this story on the Facebook Page of our local statewide newspaper The Hartford Courant. Some woman commented that it's a scam because BBB isn't giving full-value for the gift cards. I responded "Why should BBB give full-value for the gift cards?" And she replied that I was an idiot.
I think a lot of people feel the same way because we have had exactly 0 takers as far as I know ;D
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 10, 2018, 09:10:20 AM
http://www.businessinsider.com/kmart-store-photos-details-2018-3 I HOPE IT WORKS. IF IT DOES, I hope they can keep the prices DOWN and add play areas (And something MORE CREATIVE than kids playing with the latest toys, I have a few friends that Play Lab Thing feel iss just a gimmick)
I'm confused, the article links to Kmart, but it seems that you're talking about TRU.
Plus what's going to work? Toys R Us is in the drain, and it looks like it isn't going out.
Quote from: JJBers on April 10, 2018, 12:42:49 PM
Plus what's going to work? Toys R Us is in the drain, and it looks like it isn't going out.
There have been a couple things mentioned in various stories:
1. That they are selling their Canadian Toys r Us stores, and that whoever is buying those may want to also purchase a small amount of stores within the US market to operate as well
2. Someone was trying to raise funding to buy stores as well.
Quote from: BillyGr on April 10, 2018, 01:27:39 PM
Quote from: JJBers on April 10, 2018, 12:42:49 PM
Plus what's going to work? Toys R Us is in the drain, and it looks like it isn't going out.
There have been a couple things mentioned in various stories:
1. That they are selling their Canadian Toys r Us stores, and that whoever is buying those may want to also purchase a small amount of stores within the US market to operate as well
2. Someone was trying to raise funding to buy stores as well.
I Hope these things happen!!!
And I printed 50 copies of the GOFUNDME page to rally people to try to donate (How do I get thousands to donate). I went to Concords sale yesterday and this manager said they cant do that as the liquidator wont allow them. When I've gone to their sales they can see I AM ONE REAL LOYAL FAN!
well their sales going down with their debt going up was like a plane crashing.
IF either things succeed, they need to keep their prices DOWN! and add play areas (but with more spark than the play labs, i have a friend who felt the Play Labs was just a Gimmick.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/04/17/billionaire-toy-makers-bid-save-toys-r-us-stores-rejected/525287002/ I HOPE THERE IS HOPE!
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 17, 2018, 06:32:48 PM
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/04/17/billionaire-toy-makers-bid-save-toys-r-us-stores-rejected/525287002/ I HOPE THERE IS HOPE!
In my opinion there's a 30% chance this'll work. Even if it does, it'll mostly likely not be completed until after June.
Quote from: JJBers on April 17, 2018, 07:42:51 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 17, 2018, 06:32:48 PM
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/04/17/billionaire-toy-makers-bid-save-toys-r-us-stores-rejected/525287002/ I HOPE THERE IS HOPE!
In my opinion there's a 30% chance this'll work. Even if it does, it'll mostly likely not be completed until after June.
why wouldnt it work? It needs to
I am holding out.
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 18, 2018, 09:21:38 PM
I am holding out.
MGA Entertainment CEO Isaac Larian gave up on his GoFundMe page, and is planning to buy the store's assets directly with a few investors on board (including all the Canadian stores plus the remaining 200 U.S. stores). I am keeping my fingers crossed that this works...
(I know, the last time they brought investors on board, they messed things up. I hope they picked different investors that actually believe in what Larian is doing, and is not misusing the company the way KKR/Vornado/Bain did.)
Quote from: ShopKoFan on April 19, 2018, 01:53:40 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 18, 2018, 09:21:38 PM
I am holding out.
MGA Entertainment CEO Isaac Larian gave up on his GoFundMe page, and is planning to buy the store's assets directly with a few investors on board (including all the Canadian stores plus the remaining 200 U.S. stores). I am keeping my fingers crossed that this works...
(I know, the last time they brought investors on board, they messed things up. I hope they picked different investors that actually believe in what Larian is doing, and is not misusing the company the way KKR/Vornado/Bain did.)
Me TOO, and I have said to others what killed Toys r us was greed
This may be no surprise, I have thousands of FB Friends and many of my FB friends first found out of Toys r us closing through ME putting it on FB, as I found out 4 min later, on google news and an hour after the news of it, I drove over to my nearest one, 23 miles from me in Concord.
Still hope and he is right http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toysrus-usa-20180422-story.html
and Hasbros sales have declined due to this Toys r us closing thing https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-23/hasbro-takes-a-hit-with-the-collapse-of-customer-toys-r-us. an example of what I mean of Toys r us closing will hurt toy makers (And Christmas shopping)
I am thinking perhaps Toys R Us is stalling with their GOB sales in hopes of someone coming in and saving the company. They wouldn't keep all locations, but I'm sure they want to keep what's left open as long as they can in the case certain stores can "reopen". Perhaps I'm wrong, but this is the longest GOB sale I have ever seen. They say some stores will be open until at least July.
Quote from: AmesNewington on April 23, 2018, 05:48:51 PM
I am thinking perhaps Toys R Us is stalling with their GOB sales in hopes of someone coming in and saving the company. They wouldn't keep all locations, but I'm sure they want to keep what's left open as long as they can in the case certain stores can "reopen". Perhaps I'm wrong, but this is the longest GOB sale I have ever seen. They say some stores will be open until at least July.
thats what Concord told me too.
their contract in artcles said no later than June 30.
I have had 3 dreams the last 10 days of Toys r us closing.
OF CANADA stores staying, OK THEY HAVE WALMART THERE. How come they are doing better than Where Toys r us began, United States.
this has Hurt Hasbros sales. YA SEEEEEE. I wonder if some companies may have to discontinue some products.
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 23, 2018, 05:53:00 PM
OF CANADA stores staying, OK THEY HAVE WALMART THERE. How come they are doing better than Where Toys r us began, United States.
this has Hurt Hasbros sales. YA SEEEEEE. I wonder if some companies may have to discontinue some products.
It reminds me of how Kmart Australia has become more successful after Kresge sold their share of the company to the Coles Group. Of course Kmart Australia is now owned by Wesfarmers Ltd.
On the other hand, I wonder if the American and Canadian Walmart or Target stores would have to expand their toy department to Hills-sized proportions to accommodate some new toys...
Of course the Toys "R" Us store closings would not hurt LEGO that much, since they also have stores of their very own in shopping malls (including their Mall of America store), at LEGOLAND theme parks, and online at LEGO Shop at Home. They also sell LEGO products at every Walmart, Target, Shopko, Meijer, CVS and Walgreens, as well as at mom-and-pop toy stores and stores specializing in new and used LEGO products such as Bricks & Minifigs.
Wondering what to do with those unredeemed Toys R Us gift cards?
Take them to Kmart and turn them into "freecash" under their Shop Your Way program.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/3347932-kmart-wants-toys-r-us-sales
An astute and clever idea, I must say.
That prob wont work because there are so few Kmarts left (half as many as Toys R us stores) and many markets lost their Kmarts, and some states the only Kmarts left are in the smaller cities.
I wrote this letter to the BRATZ CEO in pledging him to save Toys r us.
You can use "freecash" to make online purchases from Kmart and Sears.
I have actually had some very good experiences buying online from them.
https://www.bnn.ca/fairfax-eyeing-some-u-s-stores-after-toys-r-us-canada-purchase-1.1067704
Not really surprising, since they had indicated that was an option pretty much from the beginning (that whoever bought the Canadian stores might want some in the US as well).
Quote from: BillyGr on April 28, 2018, 10:48:08 AM
Not really surprising, since they had indicated that was an option pretty much from the beginning (that whoever bought the Canadian stores might want some in the US as well).
well that's 2 ppl vying for US stores and it looks toys r us may not shut down. 3 orders I have of it : make it a destination center not just a toy store and 2 keep their prices down and 3 be in every major market that had 100k or more ppl
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 28, 2018, 12:53:24 PM
Quote from: BillyGr on April 28, 2018, 10:48:08 AM
Not really surprising, since they had indicated that was an option pretty much from the beginning (that whoever bought the Canadian stores might want some in the US as well).
well that's 2 ppl vying for US stores and it looks toys r us may not shut down. 3 orders I have of it : make it a destination center not just a toy store and 2 keep their prices down and 3 be in every major market that had 100k or more ppl
I hope that includes Green Bay, Wisconsin...
Quote from: ShopKoFan on April 28, 2018, 08:03:23 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 28, 2018, 12:53:24 PM
Quote from: BillyGr on April 28, 2018, 10:48:08 AM
Not really surprising, since they had indicated that was an option pretty much from the beginning (that whoever bought the Canadian stores might want some in the US as well).
well that's 2 ppl vying for US stores and it looks toys r us may not shut down. 3 orders I have of it : make it a destination center not just a toy store and 2 keep their prices down and 3 be in every major market that had 100k or more ppl
I hope that includes Green Bay, Wisconsin...
that has over 100,000 people. but Toy sr us also USED TO HAVE THE LOWEST prices, and how did they get so overpriced, well that chain has been an obsession with me since as far back as the 1980s.
Nobody has realized that unless these companies purchase the rights to use the Toys "R" Us brand, all these companies are doing is just purchasing real estate. They could make a new brand of toy stores, but most likely it'll just end up being leased to other retailers.
Quote from: JJBers on April 29, 2018, 01:08:06 PM
Nobody has realized that unless these companies purchase the rights to use the Toys "R" Us brand, all these companies are doing is just purchasing real estate. They could make a new brand of toy stores, but most likely it'll just end up being leased to other retailers.
WE NEED A TOY STORE and what you know?
There is no place but Toys r us that had these collectors items.
beisdes there are no retailers left as all the others are already nearby.
a toy store can be profitable, its just mismanagement.
Quote from: danfifepsu on April 29, 2018, 01:28:05 PM
Quote from: JJBers on April 29, 2018, 01:08:06 PM
Nobody has realized that unless these companies purchase the rights to use the Toys "R" Us brand, all these companies are doing is just purchasing real estate. They could make a new brand of toy stores, but most likely it'll just end up being leased to other retailers.
WE NEED A TOY STORE and what you know?
There is no place but Toys r us that had these collectors items.
beisdes there are no retailers left as all the others are already nearby.
a toy store can be profitable, its just mismanagement.
Somebody's gotta purchase the rights to the Toys "R" Us trademark (and Geoffrey the Giraffe). A store without a clear brand is like a sundae without a cherry on top.
https://www.retaildive.com/news/toys-r-us-still-has-a-chance-to-save-some-us-stores/522420/
#SAVETOYSRUS
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-larian-tru-20180521-story.html I GUESS ITS BYE BYE
I think stores from the March announcement are going to close in the next couple of weeks. I expect 60-90% sales to start late-next week.
I've been to two stores in the last few weeks. Either they are still getting tons of stuff from the warehouses, or things are moving very slowly. Right now there toy selections like like an average Walmart, slightly picked out, but not near empty.
Quote from: esw01407 on May 21, 2018, 08:07:23 PM
I've been to two stores in the last few weeks. Either they are still getting tons of stuff from the warehouses, or things are moving very slowly. Right now there toy selections like like an average Walmart, slightly picked out, but not near empty.
It makes no sense for other countries to have a store like this but not in the US yet we have Build a BEAR , Lego store, LEgo land and Disney World.
WHatll happen w Christmas shopping?
Quote from: danfifepsu on May 22, 2018, 10:30:07 AM
Quote from: esw01407 on May 21, 2018, 08:07:23 PM
I've been to two stores in the last few weeks. Either they are still getting tons of stuff from the warehouses, or things are moving very slowly. Right now there toy selections like like an average Walmart, slightly picked out, but not near empty.
It makes no sense for other countries to have a store like this but not in the US yet we have Build a BEAR , Lego store, LEgo land and Disney World.
WHatll happen w Christmas shopping?
Walmart... Target... Amazon...
Quote from: busman_49 on May 23, 2018, 06:27:44 AM
Quote from: danfifepsu on May 22, 2018, 10:30:07 AM
Quote from: esw01407 on May 21, 2018, 08:07:23 PM
I've been to two stores in the last few weeks. Either they are still getting tons of stuff from the warehouses, or things are moving very slowly. Right now there toy selections like like an average Walmart, slightly picked out, but not near empty.
It makes no sense for other countries to have a store like this but not in the US yet we have Build a BEAR , Lego store, LEgo land and Disney World.
WHatll happen w Christmas shopping?
Walmart... Target... Amazon...
There is a need for a physical toy store!! and Toys r us had some stuff I couldnt find else where in the Fan Vault area.
Quote from: danfifepsu on May 22, 2018, 10:30:07 AM
Quote from: esw01407 on May 21, 2018, 08:07:23 PM
I've been to two stores in the last few weeks. Either they are still getting tons of stuff from the warehouses, or things are moving very slowly. Right now there toy selections like like an average Walmart, slightly picked out, but not near empty.
It makes no sense for other countries to have a store like this but not in the US yet we have Build a BEAR , Lego store, LEgo land and Disney World.
WHatll happen w Christmas shopping?
I heard KB Toys will be coming back this holiday season. I also heard Party City will get into the toy business.
http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/20/news/companies/kb-toys-toys-r-us/index.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/kb-toys-plotting-comeback-after-toys-r-us-bankruptcy-2018-3
The bankruptcy of Toys "R" Us in the United States has led to a domino effect in which the UK and Australian stores went bankrupt soon after, followed by Canada.
A newly-resurrected KB Toys is rescuing the toy industry late 2018/2019.
The stores will come in two sizes:
Smaller "KB Toys" stores for strip malls and shopping malls, as well as larger Toys "R" Us-sized big box stores with a supermarket layout called "KB Experience". They'll start out as temporary pop-up stores, but if they become successful, they'll become permanent tenants for years to come...
Read more about it here:
http://comicbook.com/2018/05/12/kb-toys-details-comeback-plan/
I've been thinking about Toys R Us as they're closing & I've paid a little attention to some of their locations in my travels. A real issue I see: terrible locations. Some have great highway frontage (which I'm sure they paid dearly for) but their a major pain to get in and out of. (i.e, U-turn across 3 busy lanes of traffic to get in followed by an almost impossible crossing of those same 3 lanes to get back to where you came from.) Another was tucked in the backside of a totally dead mall-you had to walk through a portion of it to get to the store. I think they should have concentrated on either mall locations (and not dead ones) or better strip centers.
I'm in Canada and I've heard a commercial from Toys'r'us Canada on the radio: Toys'r'us Canada's president is saying that "Toys'r'us is now a Canadian company that's here to play, here to stay!"
http://www.toysrus.ca/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=4217985
Turns out that "going concern" bidders never had a chance of competing with the liquidators - the creditors and lenders insisted on TRU going out of business
https://www.retaildive.com/news/toys-r-us-reportedly-spoke-with-sycamore-target-before-liquidating/525213/
Former Toys ‘R’ Us boss has plan to salvage chain
By Lisa Fickenscher, New York Post
June 6, 2018 | 9:54pm | Updated
Toys ‘R’ Us might have a white knight after all.
Its former chief executive from five years ago, Gerald Storch, is eyeing a deal that could save some stores before they shutter this summer, the distribution centers and most importantly the Toys ‘R’ Us trademarks as well as thousands of jobs, The Post has learned.
Storch, who was chairman and CEO of the company from 2006 to 2013, is in discussions with several venture groups that are considering buying the remaining parts of the storied retailer and bringing him on to the management team, a source with knowledge of the talks told The Post.
But the clock is ticking.
The linchpin of such a deal is the Toys ‘R’ Us portfolio of intellectual property assets, including its Babies ‘R’ Us name, domains and other trademarks associated with the 70-year-old company.
Those trademarks will be sold at an auction scheduled for June 18 at 10 a.m. at the New York City offices of Toys ‘R’ Us’ bankruptcy law firm, Kirkland & Ellis.
“It’s going to be really important who gets that intellectual property,” the source said.
About a month ago, Storch was seen at Toys ‘R’ Us headquarters by several people who reported the sighting to TheRockFather.com, a blog following the toy industry.
Storch declined to comment for this story.
His plan for Toys ‘R’ Us is to establish a new hub near the company’s Wayne, NJ-based headquarters to retain the top employees, many of whom have worked for the company for decades, said the source familiar with his thinking.
So far, about 150 of Toys ‘R’ Us’ 700-plus stores have been sold at an auction in April. Another auction including up to 150 additional stores is scheduled for June 11.
The rest of the US operations remains in play.
“Almost all of the pieces are left — the systems, distribution centers, stores, vendors — none of it is in anyone’s hands yet,” said the source, adding that the idea of acquiring the US operations would be “to buy all those things and put them back together really quickly.”
Interest in the trademarks and domains is high, sources say.
But Toys ‘R’ Us has already been warned that it has no right to sell any of the domain names associated with its former and now defunct subsidiary, KB Toys.
That brand is now owned by Strategic Marks, which bought it from the US Trademark office after Toys ‘R’ Us let it go dormant — and Strategic Marks is planning a major comeback for KB Toys, including opening 400 stores in malls by the holiday season.
Toys ‘R’ Us lists more than 60 iterations of the KB Toys domain name, that it hopes to sell on June 18, according to a bankruptcy court document.
“We are taking legal action to stop them,” Strategic Marks CEO Ellia Kassoff. said.
This is good news but I feel I have doubts this will work too as all other previous "White knights" have been turned away c ause they wanted more money bid and how it seems after Christmas when Christmas sales were horrific the creditors insisted on liquidation.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on June 07, 2018, 08:26:05 PM
Former Toys ‘R’ Us boss has plan to salvage chain
By Lisa Fickenscher, New York Post
June 6, 2018 | 9:54pm | Updated
Toys ‘R’ Us might have a white knight after all.
Its former chief executive from five years ago, Gerald Storch, is eyeing a deal that could save some stores before they shutter this summer, the distribution centers and most importantly the Toys ‘R’ Us trademarks as well as thousands of jobs, The Post has learned.
Storch, who was chairman and CEO of the company from 2006 to 2013, is in discussions with several venture groups that are considering buying the remaining parts of the storied retailer and bringing him on to the management team, a source with knowledge of the talks told The Post.
But the clock is ticking.
The linchpin of such a deal is the Toys ‘R’ Us portfolio of intellectual property assets, including its Babies ‘R’ Us name, domains and other trademarks associated with the 70-year-old company.
Those trademarks will be sold at an auction scheduled for June 18 at 10 a.m. at the New York City offices of Toys ‘R’ Us’ bankruptcy law firm, Kirkland & Ellis.
“It’s going to be really important who gets that intellectual property,†the source said.
About a month ago, Storch was seen at Toys ‘R’ Us headquarters by several people who reported the sighting to TheRockFather.com, a blog following the toy industry.
Storch declined to comment for this story.
His plan for Toys ‘R’ Us is to establish a new hub near the company’s Wayne, NJ-based headquarters to retain the top employees, many of whom have worked for the company for decades, said the source familiar with his thinking.
So far, about 150 of Toys ‘R’ Us’ 700-plus stores have been sold at an auction in April. Another auction including up to 150 additional stores is scheduled for June 11.
The rest of the US operations remains in play.
“Almost all of the pieces are left â€" the systems, distribution centers, stores, vendors â€" none of it is in anyone’s hands yet,†said the source, adding that the idea of acquiring the US operations would be “to buy all those things and put them back together really quickly.â€
Interest in the trademarks and domains is high, sources say.
But Toys ‘R’ Us has already been warned that it has no right to sell any of the domain names associated with its former and now defunct subsidiary, KB Toys.
That brand is now owned by Strategic Marks, which bought it from the US Trademark office after Toys ‘R’ Us let it go dormant â€" and Strategic Marks is planning a major comeback for KB Toys, including opening 400 stores in malls by the holiday season.
Toys ‘R’ Us lists more than 60 iterations of the KB Toys domain name, that it hopes to sell on June 18, according to a bankruptcy court document.
“We are taking legal action to stop them,†Strategic Marks CEO Ellia Kassoff. said.
Quote from: danfifepsu on June 08, 2018, 08:21:12 AM
This is good news but I feel I have doubts this will work too as all other previous "White knights" have been turned away c ause they wanted more money bid and how it seems after Christmas when Christmas sales were horrific the creditors insisted on liquidation.
I would not call those other people "white knights." The person looking to resurrect Toys "R" Us is Gerald Storch, who has experience working as Toys "R" Us' chief executive. He might have more money than the people who wanted to buy the chain and its trademarks than those before him.
I just hope that, to avoid a lawsuit, that Toys "R" Us sells off the remaining KB Toys trademarks, including Toy Works, to Strategic Marks.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on June 08, 2018, 02:24:50 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on June 08, 2018, 08:21:12 AM
This is good news but I feel I have doubts this will work too as all other previous "White knights" have been turned away c ause they wanted more money bid and how it seems after Christmas when Christmas sales were horrific the creditors insisted on liquidation.
I would not call those other people "white knights." The person looking to resurrect Toys "R" Us is Gerald Storch, who has experience working as Toys "R" Us' chief executive. He might have more money than the people who wanted to buy the chain and its trademarks than those before him.
I just hope that, to avoid a lawsuit, that Toys "R" Us sells off the remaining KB Toys trademarks, including Toy Works, to Strategic Marks.
I am still skeptical and if its saved, horray and the sadness this put me through still remains. I had a dream 3 nights ago of them closing off parts of the store, in which now its becoming a reality.
I hope it reopens like Gander Mountain.
Toys R Us could stay in the game if bidders make a play for the company
Joan Verdon, NorthJersey
Published 4:41 p.m. ET June 8, 2018
As going-out-of-business sales at Toys R Us stores enter their final weeks, there still is a chance the Wayne-based retail chain will find a last minute savior.
A number of interested parties are said to be considering making a play for some of the company's assets in order to keep Toys R Us alive, with stores operating in the United States.
Fairfax Financial Holdings Inc., the Canadian investment firm that purchased the Canadian Toys R Us operations, and the private equity and brand turnaround king C. Dean Metropoulos, who rescued Hostess Twinkies from extinction, are said to be possible bidders for some of the retailer's U.S. assets, according to toy industry insiders. Former Toys R Us Chief Executive Gerald Storch is also said to have a plan to keep the toy chain in business, according to sources.
Fairfax Financial Holdings and Storch declined to comment and Metropoulos' company did not respond to an inquiry from The Record.
The deck, however, is stacked against a possible buyer because of the piecemeal manner in which Toys R Us' assets are being sold off. Toys R Us used all of its assets â€" including its store properties and intellectual properties, such as its trade names and gift registries â€" as collateral for loans to re-finance the more than $5 billion in debt it was saddled as a result of a leveraged buyout in 2005.
Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in September, and announced in March that it was beginning a full liquidation and sale of its assets. Stores in New Jersey and around the country are in the final stages of liquidation sales, with all stores expected to be closed by July 1.
Bloomberg Businessweek, in an extensive report this week on the complicated financial web that led to the collapse of Toys R Us, described the company's debt structure as being "as complex and precarious as a Jenga tower."
Attorneys for Toys R Us are holding an auction for 66 store leases on Monday morning. They have received 104 qualified bids for individual stores. A separate auction of Toys R Us intellectual property will be held a week later, on June 18. The bid deadline for those properties, which include the baby registry, customer mailing lists, trademarks, the Toys R Us and Babies R Us trade names, and the company's giraffe mascot, Geoffrey, is June 15.
A separate group of 50 store leases were auctioned off in April.
The goal of the bankruptcy court and the investors who provided the bankruptcy financing for Toys R Us is to maximize the revenue generated by the auction. For that reason, the assets could end up being more valuable if they are sold individually, rather than collectively to a buyer who wants to keep the U.S. stores in operation under the Toys R Us name.
Storch, who led Toys R Us from 2006 to 2013, is seen by some toy industry experts and manufacturers as the best hope to keep the company's stores alive in this country. But he would have to win the backing of some deep-pocketed investors.
He was brought in by the private equity firms that took Toys R Us private in 2005 and was charged with revitalizing the company and positioning it for a quick turnaround and stock offering that would give the owners a fast return on their highly leveraged purchase. Storch gave the company some of its best results in recent history but, faced with a dramatic retail recession that began in 2007, couldn't deliver the quick and lucrative stock offering the owners wanted.
After leaving Toys R Us in 2013, Storch was chief executive officer of Hudson's Bay Company, the owner of the Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue retail stores from 2015 to 2017. Since leaving Hudson's Bay he has had his own consulting firm.
During his tenure at Toys R Us, Storch developed relationships with executives at toy companies who could help if he attempts to resurrect the chain. One of them, Isaac Larian, the owner of MGA Entertainment, who previously tried to make a bid for Toys R Us, wrote on Twitter that he is hoping Storch is able to put together a deal to save the company.
Dean Metropoulos is an investor who has made a fortune by rescuing iconic consumer brands like Twinkies and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and then selling them off at a big profit.
Fairfax Financial Holdings is led by the billionare Prem Watsa and based in Toronto. A bid for part of the U.S. operations would complement its recent purchase of the Canadian operations for $237 million U.S. dollars.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on June 08, 2018, 05:34:08 PM
Toys R Us could stay in the game if bidders make a play for the company
Joan Verdon, NorthJersey
Published 4:41 p.m. ET June 8, 2018
As going-out-of-business sales at Toys R Us stores enter their final weeks, there still is a chance the Wayne-based retail chain will find a last minute savior.
A number of interested parties are said to be considering making a play for some of the company's assets in order to keep Toys R Us alive, with stores operating in the United States.
Fairfax Financial Holdings Inc., the Canadian investment firm that purchased the Canadian Toys R Us operations, and the private equity and brand turnaround king C. Dean Metropoulos, who rescued Hostess Twinkies from extinction, are said to be possible bidders for some of the retailer's U.S. assets, according to toy industry insiders. Former Toys R Us Chief Executive Gerald Storch is also said to have a plan to keep the toy chain in business, according to sources.
Fairfax Financial Holdings and Storch declined to comment and Metropoulos' company did not respond to an inquiry from The Record.
The deck, however, is stacked against a possible buyer because of the piecemeal manner in which Toys R Us' assets are being sold off. Toys R Us used all of its assets â€" including its store properties and intellectual properties, such as its trade names and gift registries â€" as collateral for loans to re-finance the more than $5 billion in debt it was saddled as a result of a leveraged buyout in 2005.
Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in September, and announced in March that it was beginning a full liquidation and sale of its assets. Stores in New Jersey and around the country are in the final stages of liquidation sales, with all stores expected to be closed by July 1.
Bloomberg Businessweek, in an extensive report this week on the complicated financial web that led to the collapse of Toys R Us, described the company's debt structure as being "as complex and precarious as a Jenga tower."
Attorneys for Toys R Us are holding an auction for 66 store leases on Monday morning. They have received 104 qualified bids for individual stores. A separate auction of Toys R Us intellectual property will be held a week later, on June 18. The bid deadline for those properties, which include the baby registry, customer mailing lists, trademarks, the Toys R Us and Babies R Us trade names, and the company's giraffe mascot, Geoffrey, is June 15.
A separate group of 50 store leases were auctioned off in April.
The goal of the bankruptcy court and the investors who provided the bankruptcy financing for Toys R Us is to maximize the revenue generated by the auction. For that reason, the assets could end up being more valuable if they are sold individually, rather than collectively to a buyer who wants to keep the U.S. stores in operation under the Toys R Us name.
Storch, who led Toys R Us from 2006 to 2013, is seen by some toy industry experts and manufacturers as the best hope to keep the company's stores alive in this country. But he would have to win the backing of some deep-pocketed investors.
He was brought in by the private equity firms that took Toys R Us private in 2005 and was charged with revitalizing the company and positioning it for a quick turnaround and stock offering that would give the owners a fast return on their highly leveraged purchase. Storch gave the company some of its best results in recent history but, faced with a dramatic retail recession that began in 2007, couldn't deliver the quick and lucrative stock offering the owners wanted.
After leaving Toys R Us in 2013, Storch was chief executive officer of Hudson's Bay Company, the owner of the Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue retail stores from 2015 to 2017. Since leaving Hudson's Bay he has had his own consulting firm.
During his tenure at Toys R Us, Storch developed relationships with executives at toy companies who could help if he attempts to resurrect the chain. One of them, Isaac Larian, the owner of MGA Entertainment, who previously tried to make a bid for Toys R Us, wrote on Twitter that he is hoping Storch is able to put together a deal to save the company.
Dean Metropoulos is an investor who has made a fortune by rescuing iconic consumer brands like Twinkies and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and then selling them off at a big profit.
Fairfax Financial Holdings is led by the billionare Prem Watsa and based in Toronto. A bid for part of the U.S. operations would complement its recent purchase of the Canadian operations for $237 million U.S. dollars.
Lets hope this works better. a Friend of mine who is a business man said to me weeks ago "I Think someone will buy it out as its too good of a business to let go". I have tried to say same thing others dont realize, it was 5 billion in debt and I Thought if Toys r us was gonna go It'd be EARLY 2019, so I guess when they had a horrifying Xmas season Creditors demanded liquidation.
looks like the end of the line
thought i would share this picture from Facebook as most TRU will close for good Friday
While most stores are closing Friday, it seems that Waterford, Connecticut will be holding out for one extra day.
Quote from: JJBers on June 27, 2018, 08:35:30 PM
While most stores are closing Friday, it seems that Waterford, Connecticut will be holding out for one extra day.
Milford closed today.
Nashua closed yesterday.
Concord, Manchester and Salem closed today.
newignton NH closes tomorrow.
According to Channel 3 yesterday (Wednesday) was also the last day at Brass Mill in Waterbury.
Quote from: JJBers on June 27, 2018, 08:35:30 PM
While most stores are closing Friday, it seems that Waterford, Connecticut will be holding out for one extra day.
I can’t understand why, there is practically nothing left in there. I just stopped by there on my way home from work today. Literally walked in, did a loop, walked out.
Clay, NY
(https://i.imgur.com/5aHPEtu.jpg)
I walked away with this Geoffrey that was on the wall as you entered/exited the store. So cool.
(https://i.imgur.com/NhX2TOj.jpg)
Quote from: bargansbythebagful on June 29, 2018, 09:43:26 PM
Clay, NY
(https://i.imgur.com/5aHPEtu.jpg)
I walked away with this Geoffrey that was on the wall as you entered/exited the store. So cool.
(https://i.imgur.com/NhX2TOj.jpg)
I went there last Sunday and they had not even rearranged the aisles since it opened.
NOW ALL THE STORES ARE GONE
(https://s33.postimg.cc/vn9lb796n/IMG_0870.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141912098@N03/41296970360/in/dateposted-public/
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/141912098@N03/41296970360/in/dateposted-public/)
Here was the last day for my local TRU. The manager was not willing to sell me any signs or anything like that. I did manage to get a copy of Destiny for about 4 dollars for PS4.
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on June 30, 2018, 08:38:27 AM
(https://s33.postimg.cc/vn9lb796n/IMG_0870.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141912098@N03/41296970360/in/dateposted-public/
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/141912098@N03/41296970360/in/dateposted-public/)
Here was the last day for my local TRU. The manager was not willing to sell me any signs or anything like that. I did manage to get a copy of Destiny for about 4 dollars for PS4.
I went o the one in Clarence 6 days ago and it had a lot of stuff left.
Quote from: danfifepsu on June 30, 2018, 11:41:05 AM
I went o the one in Clarence 6 days ago and it had a lot of stuff left.
Yeah, there was quite a bit left even two days ago. I am not sure what they did with it.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1770/41292130450_b898655e5c_k.jpg)
Now we start the brand new process of seeing which companies buy which store. It's already happened with Circuit City, it can happen here.
Quote from: bargansbythebagful on June 29, 2018, 09:43:26 PM
I walked away with this Geoffrey that was on the wall as you entered/exited the store. So cool.
Amazing find! I ended up dumpster-diving for a customer service sign, an aisle marker, and some Lego signs.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on June 30, 2018, 05:23:02 PM
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1770/41292130450_b898655e5c_k.jpg)
Excellent work on that collage!
(https://s33.postimg.cc/9pfgtllv3/caroutside1.jpg)
That's it for Clarence! The lights are still on, but no one is home.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141912098@N03/43158716421/in/dateposted-public/
I was there on Sunday. I noticed potholes in the parking lot.
I have had a rough weekend all their stores are gone. It had collectors Items I would buy. the store was a big part of my life. What will happen w Christmas Shopping?
Quote from: MikeinBuffalo on July 02, 2018, 02:56:52 PM
(https://s33.postimg.cc/9pfgtllv3/caroutside1.jpg)
That's it for Clarence! The lights are still on, but no one is home.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141912098@N03/43158716421/in/dateposted-public/
TRU's conduct before and during bankruptcy could be a game-changer for retailers that declare Chapter 11 - and not in a good way
https://www.retaildive.com/news/burned-by-toys-r-us-will-suppliers-ever-trust-a-bankrupt-retailer-again/530926
Quote from: retailisking on August 29, 2018, 12:42:12 PM
TRU's conduct before and during bankruptcy could be a game-changer for retailers that declare Chapter 11 - and not in a good way
https://www.retaildive.com/news/burned-by-toys-r-us-will-suppliers-ever-trust-a-bankrupt-retailer-again/530926
This seems like a different kind of antitrust suit.
Quote from: ShopKoFan on August 29, 2018, 05:36:57 PM
Quote from: retailisking on August 29, 2018, 12:42:12 PM
TRU's conduct before and during bankruptcy could be a game-changer for retailers that declare Chapter 11 - and not in a good way
https://www.retaildive.com/news/burned-by-toys-r-us-will-suppliers-ever-trust-a-bankrupt-retailer-again/530926
This seems like a different kind of antitrust suit.
whatll happen when the NEXT RETAILER IS BANKRUPT? and I now doubt the reboot will work as Toys r us has burned bridges with people now.
Quote from: danfifepsu on August 29, 2018, 08:55:04 PM
whatll happen when the NEXT RETAILER IS BANKRUPT? and I now doubt the reboot will work as Toys r us has burned bridges with people now.
Not sure that would matter, since anyone "rebooting" the company now wouldn't be the same person(s) that were in charge previously. Thus no reason to have a problem with them based on what someone else did.
Quote from: BillyGr on August 30, 2018, 05:06:09 PM
Quote from: danfifepsu on August 29, 2018, 08:55:04 PM
whatll happen when the NEXT RETAILER IS BANKRUPT? and I now doubt the reboot will work as Toys r us has burned bridges with people now.
Not sure that would matter, since anyone "rebooting" the company now wouldn't be the same person(s) that were in charge previously. Thus no reason to have a problem with them based on what someone else did.
The rebooting of a brand worked for brands like Montgomery Ward and Service Merchandise work because of their brand recognition. I'm pretty sure it would be the same if Toys "R" Us were to be brought back. At least Toys "R" Us' new all-Canadian ownership in North America is helping them survive.
Could it be?
http://www.theledger.com/news/20181002/toys-r-us-lenders-plan-brand-revival
Quote from: Kmart4life on October 03, 2018, 09:27:12 PM
Could it be?
http://www.theledger.com/news/20181002/toys-r-us-lenders-plan-brand-revival
I feel vendors may be wary after the bankruptcy, and Issiac Larian said he wont sell his Toys to them.
Private equity funds KKR and Bain Capital are creating a $20 million fund to make
severance payments to laid-off employees of Toys R Us.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toys-r-us-severance-20181120-story.html
In the retail industry this is virtually unprecedented.
Quote from: TheFugitive on November 21, 2018, 01:40:20 PM
Private equity funds KKR and Bain Capital are creating a $20 million fund to make
severance payments to laid-off employees of Toys R Us.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toys-r-us-severance-20181120-story.html
In the retail industry this is virtually unprecedented.
what will be done next?
Supposedly a method will be devised to distribute the money to former
Toys R Us employees.
The demise of Toys R Us is taking a serious bite out of the U.S. Marine Corps
Toys for Tots program.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/toys-for-tots-takes-hit-from-toys-r-us-closing/
Donation boxes in 800 stores and $5 million in corporate donations are hard to replace.