How about KB Toys? I don't know a lot about them, but I can remember them all the way back to when I was a kid. They are currently GOB, it seems about time... :mrpink: They always seemed kind of expensive, and I never saw much people in there because of their limited selection. I guess most people around here just went to the Toys R Us across the street. I personally don't think that store was ever that appealing, even when I was a kid...
Overpriced stuff that you can get at Wal-Mart or Toys R Us. Most stores are very, very small and we would never go into them because they were always cramped (mostly just people browsing, not buying)
Some stores are larger, like the KB Toy Outlet in the Franklin Mills Mall...if only all the stores were this size maybe they could have a better selection and maybe more customers would want to look along.
I don't see them sticking around much longer unless they change the types of products they sell (ex. going with unique toys that can't be found in every big-box store)
They aren't GOB. I haven't seen anything. I'll check the website. The one in Newington closed last year with the ch. 11 closings. On Jan.1, we visited the Plainville store. They do still seem like a nice little toy store. They aren't bad or overpriced. I miss our KB Toys because they were small and you found everything you needed.
The one near me is GOB, in the Auburn Mall. It doesn't seem like they're gonna be around much longer.
Yes, KB Toys are closings stores starting right around now all the way into the next couple of months, due to restructuring. So.. they can try and stay competitive with Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and others.
The store here in Kingston is closing next week...
There's nothing that really attracts me or anyone I've talked to to KB Toys other than it's one of the few remaining true toy stores. They're prices aren't great at all, same with their selection. They don't carry anything you couldn't get at Wal-Mart or Target for a whole lot less. It would seem to me the only time they would get busy is during the Christmas season.
That's the only time i ever see 'em busy!!
AmesmanBBTB
well my KB Toys in Torrington,CT is still open!:bigsmile:
BTW KB Toys used to be called Kay Bee Toy Works and my Torrington store had the old signage and such but changed it to new recently.
The now-closed KB in a Tallahassee, FL mall. Snapped the day after they closed.
QuoteOriginally posted by Anonymous
AmesmanBBTB
well my KB Toys in Torrington,CT is still open!:bigsmile:
BTW KB Toys used to be called Kay Bee Toy Works and my Torrington store had the old signage and such but changed it to new recently.
AmesmanBBTB, you cn reregister you know...
QuoteOriginally posted by C. Fontaine
QuoteOriginally posted by Anonymous
AmesmanBBTB
well my KB Toys in Torrington,CT is still open!:bigsmile:
BTW KB Toys used to be called Kay Bee Toy Works and my Torrington store had the old signage and such but changed it to new recently.
AmesmanBBTB, you cn reregister you know...
I know I can but right now I can't give away my e-mail address because last year around Christmas time our computer got a persistant virus that reloaded itself even if you got rid of it so dad had to take it to someone to get the computer fixed and had took a long time to fix the computer we just got our computer back yesterday and we have no idea where the virus came from yet so for now I'm not giving away my E-mail address just yet because if I do there might be a possibility that I could get a virus again and we'll have to get the computer fixed again.
thats the reason why I'm not registering yet and why I haven't been posting lately because I was living without a computer for a long time.
Its just a precaution I'm not blaming you guys for the virus I got.
BTW THIS IS NOT A LIE I'M TELLING YOU THE TRUTH.:saint::cool:
No problem dude.
Thank you for understanding:bigsmile:
AmesmanBBTB
this is my trademark
I'll be using this in my images or whenever I post sometimes
whatever you do don't take it and post it like your claiming you're me!
I don't need imposters!
QuoteOriginally posted by Anonymous
previouis was me AmesmanBBTB
Hey! i rember u your th eone who liked my pictures:)
QuoteOriginally posted by C. Fontaine
How about KB Toys? I don't know a lot about them, but I can remember them all the way back to when I was a kid. They are currently GOB, it seems about time... :mrpink: They always seemed kind of expensive, and I never saw much people in there because of their limited selection. I guess most people around here just went to the Toys R Us across the street. I personally don't think that store was ever that appealing, even when I was a kid...
There closing 500 stores mostly mall locations there not relly pricey it all depends on what u buy they have some good deals on things but i like toys r us better they also auqrred the TOY WORKS chain back in the 1990's
QuoteOriginally posted by NJF
The now-closed KB in a Tallahassee, FL mall. Snapped the day after they closed.
The sign at my KB toys was different It read TOY WORKS in read letters with toy soldiers on both sides I'll try to get pictures or make one myself.:bounce::rolleyes::bouncing::goodidea:
heheh funny logo the one i rember is the logo with the bubly letter and there tilted
Wisebuys gets there toys form KB TOYS
The Toy Works of Newington, CT opened in 1987 and closed last year. It was very old and dirty, but now Modells, a sporting goods store based in NY is moving in their. Their also going to expanded it by 5,000 feet. The whole plaza in general is very old and ghetto, but the land lord said their going to redo the parking lot and new facade! Also TGIF is moving into the plaza to, contruction starts in the spring or summer time!
kay bee is in in almost every mall around me,and there are four of them!( the malls names are
1. lakeforest mall
2. montgomery mall
3.white flint mall
4.wheaton plaza.)
the only thing is that the kay bee toys in white flint shut down.
i'l; try to snap a picture next time i can convince my mom to go there.
& yes in case yor are wondering,i am a kid, but don't tell me "what the hell"
because kids can be interested in malls too!!
I saw one while at the Solomon Pond Mall in MA today. They closed the one in the Auburn Mall in Auburn, MA not too long ago. It still says KB Toys on the windows...
QuoteOriginally posted by C. Fontaine
I saw one while at the Solomon Pond Mall in MA today. They closed the one in the Auburn Mall in Auburn, MA not too long ago. It still says KB Toys on the windows...
theres still one in the Eastfield mall in Springfield,ma
Here in the southern part of Indiana/Western Ky all of our KB mall and KB Outlet stores closed in 2004. Kind of hard to think ALL of those stores were "under performing". I think we will eventually see this entire Toy Store chain disappear along with Toys R Us. "TRU" will last longer than the KB stores, in my opinion, but both will go under due to places like Wal-Mart.
I always liked KB toys, in part because Toys R Us was overwhelming to me, whereas KB Toys was smaller.
My nearest one was Alpena Mall, which has to be one of the smallest malls (about 30 stores) to have ever had a KB. Ironically, it was a little larger of a store than the one in Bay City Mall, our second nearest one. (Bay City is about 70 stores in size.)
Alpena's and Bay City's closed around the same time. Alpena's is now a variety store (like a dollar store, except not everything's a dollar), and Bay City's is now an oddball gift shop.
We lost our KB last year, which was in the Eastern Hills Mall in Amherst. I took a pic, but it hasn't been sent to the developed yet.
We had a KB Toys inside Eastland Mall and a KB Toys Outlet in Washington Commons and both went out of business in 2003.
:flaming:I LOVED KB TOYS!!!! WHY IS IT GOIN OUT:question:WHATS NEXT:question:TOYS R US:question:NO MORE TOYS!!!!!!
Toys R Us is goin out too. They're spinning off the toy business soon and just gonna stick with Kids R Us. I made sure I got a pic of of our local toys R Us, before it's gone.
The new owners may continue to operate it as normal, but I have a feeling Toys R Us is going to be history soon. Just not enough business anymore.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jag67
Toys R Us is goin out too. They're spinning off the toy business soon and just gonna stick with Kids R Us. I made sure I got a pic of of our local toys R Us, before it's gone.
The new owners may continue to operate it as normal, but I have a feeling Toys R Us is going to be history soon. Just not enough business anymore.
Kids R Us is gone u mean Babies R Us this is sad to me cause i loved toys r us when i was a kid and i hoped to see it last foreven well i guess this gives a chance 4 KB Toys to get a 2nd chance i have a tion of Toys R Us Pictures
If you have any older pics of Toy R Uses or pics of older stores, you should post them. I'd like to see them!!
QuoteOriginally posted by Jag67
If you have any older pics of Toy R Uses or pics of older stores, you should post them. I'd like to see them!!
there is one in Danburey CT but i believe that one got rentvaed but i'll take some that toys r us might hvae opened in the late 80's or 90's
On a related note does anyone remember the K&K Toys chain? They were located inside malls, I never saw one outside of a mall. They sold out to KB Toys in the late 80s or early 90s sometime to focus on their now Dollar Tree chain. Below is the logo they commonly used.
Sigh....
hear a bag i save from almost beeing thrown out
QuoteOriginally posted by Caldor1999
hear a bag i save from almost beeing thrown out
I have a lot of those bags!:yup:
My Torrington KB Toys was spared from being closed!:D
while the rest at least the majority of them in the area closed in:
Westfarms Mall,West Hartford:no:
Simsbury Commons,Avon,Ct:no:
darn I can't think of anymore!
can anybody please list all the KB Toys locations that closed please? :(
QuoteOriginally posted by NJF
On a related note does anyone remember the K&K Toys chain? They were located inside malls, I never saw one outside of a mall. They sold out to KB Toys in the late 80s or early 90s sometime to focus on their now Dollar Tree chain. Below is the logo they commonly used.
He He cute logo:insane:
QuoteOriginally posted by NJF
On a related note does anyone remember the K&K Toys chain? They were located inside malls, I never saw one outside of a mall. They sold out to KB Toys in the late 80s or early 90s sometime to focus on their now Dollar Tree chain. Below is the logo they commonly used.
LOLO thats a cute logo to bad its gone
QuoteOriginally posted by Jag67
If you have any older pics of Toy R Uses or pics of older stores, you should post them. I'd like to see them!!
Just for you, Jag67!
It looks just like my old TRU...:( Sorry, for some reason it won't let me paste the pic here...?
LINK: http://www.877webteam.com/877CDTRAINING/MARKETING%20%205540/toysrus.jpg
let me past the pic
QuoteOriginally posted by truviking05
QuoteOriginally posted by Jag67
If you have any older pics of Toy R Uses or pics of older stores, you should post them. I'd like to see them!!
Just for you, Jag67!
It looks just like my old TRU...:( Sorry, for some reason it won't let me paste the pic here...?
LINK: http://www.877webteam.com/877CDTRAINING/MARKETING%20%205540/toysrus.jpg
there i got it up 4 ya lol i like that TRU logo:yup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Caldor1999
QuoteOriginally posted by truviking05
QuoteOriginally posted by Jag67
If you have any older pics of Toy R Uses or pics of older stores, you should post them. I'd like to see them!!
Just for you, Jag67!
It looks just like my old TRU...:( Sorry, for some reason it won't let me paste the pic here...?
LINK: http://www.877webteam.com/877CDTRAINING/MARKETING%20%205540/toysrus.jpg
Thank you SO much! I love that logo too :D
there i got it up 4 ya lol i like that TRU logo:yup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Jag67
Sigh....
the same store 2 months later..now laux sporting goods.
We're going to see less and less of just Toy Stores. Toys R Us is in a world of hurting right now. They have over $3 billion worth of retail property and assets and no one to dump it on. KB Toys went from some 3 thousand stores to something like 1500 or more. all of you can blame it all on Wal-Mart, but the fact of the matter is.. Target is right there next to Wal-Mart. Now Wal-Mart isn't even doing well... they're sales have dropped. Things just aren't looking good no matter where you turn. This is a shaky sector. Retail is dangerous waters!!
this toy works was in Danbury in berkshire shopping cneter and closed in eraly 2005.
from Neil Goldstein of ngoldstein@thegoldsteingroup.com of www.siteride.com
QuoteOriginally posted by d_fife
this toy works was in Danbury in berkshire shopping cneter and closed in eraly 2005.
from Neil Goldstein of ngoldstein@thegoldsteingroup.com of www.siteride.com
wow toy works was bougt out by KB toys in teh late 90's but they uslay changed teh name on there stores though
Kay Bee was always overpriced in my opinion. I've noticed some of them have closed in various malls while others are doing well. They just seem very claustrophobic and unpleasant. The Toy Works near me was especially obnoxious when anyone under 40 walked in and were swarmed with clerks. I felt like I was being treated like a potential shoplifter and resented it.
This is a list of KB Toys closures from 2004
http://www.kbtinfo.com/GOBStoreList012804.pdf
It is hard for KB Toys to compete with Wal-Mart. The trend is people go to the least number of stores possible to get their shopping done due to how busy we all are. So Superstores are becoming more attractive to people. It is hard to believe a mall without a toy store. KB Toy Works closed its large store in Old Saybrook Shopping Center a couple years ago and more recently closed its store in Crystal Mall in Waterford and the East Brook Mall in Mansfield. Old Saybrook now has a Home Goods in the old Toy Works, Crystal Mall leases the store out to seasonal stores, East Brook Mall had EB Games lease out most of the space with a small portion of the space vacant.
here is kb toys in danoir plaza in norwalk ct that closed last year. it is on ct ave.
from http://www.siteride.com/srpl/t_snapshot.pl?subNum=10209000895&tenNum=10209000895.0001
here is the kb toys in west patterson / totowa nj
from http://www.siteride.com/srpl/p_snapshot.pl?lm=listing&resbox=1140398753&subNum=10205000299
here is the kb toys in port chester new york
from http://www.siteride.com/srpl/p_snapshot.pl?lm=listing&resbox=1140400308&subNum=10214000408
here is kb toys in deer park / babylon new york
from http://www.siteride.com/srpl/p_snapshot.pl?lm=listing&resbox=1140469195&subNum=50225002649
Locations map
Nampa, ID (Now closed)
here is kb toy works in new bedford on fieldstone marketplace
from http://www.cedarshoppingcenters.com/Fieldstone.htm
here is here kb toys in yonkers ny on cross country shopping center on central park ave
from http://www.siteride.com/srpl/p_snapshot.pl?lm=listing&resbox=1141430918&subNum=40214000001
here is kb toys in hartsdale ny. it closed last year.
from http://www.siteride.com/srpl/p_snapshot.pl?lm=listing&resbox=1142042020&subNum=10214000549
Kay Bee (later acronymed K-B) Toys or Toy Works used to be a very worthy competitor to Toys "R" Us. About the same time as TRU, the store became crippled and lackluster. I'm almost afraid to walk into a K-B -- the stores are very skeletal; looking like they're going out of business and closing in a week. I can recall the last few times I visited I was one of the only people browsing the store.
This store has sadly gone further downhill than Toys "R" Us... their video game department is humiliating and their toy selection is withering. I witnessed a bunch of key locations I visited as a child go down (Newington, Westfarms Mall - closed one then rebuilt then closed again, Bristol, Southington, Avon/Simsbury...) and I'm not sad to see them go. Mall locations are barely hanging in there -- I'm not sure they sell games anymore either.
Like TRU, they're becoming a bad memory as they continue to blunder their operations today by being incompetant by not adapting to a growing and changing industry.
I'll give K-B a few more years if that and they'll go the way of the retail graveyard. Stores are closing fast so it's only realistic to expect it. I don't think I'll miss them...
Here's a few bags I snagged from Toy Works in Torrington last Summer (no, I didn't buy anything). It reminded me of the good old Toy Works in Southington aside from the fact that these bags looked very outdated. Oh yeah, also visited a K-B Toy Works in Keene, NH recently...
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
Here's a few bags I snagged from Toy Works in Torrington last Summer (no, I didn't buy anything). It reminded me of the good old Toy Works in Southington aside from the fact that these bags looked very outdated. Oh yeah, also visited a K-B Toy Works in Keene, NH recently...
O WOW!!!!! thought the y all chaged to KB i havent seen a Toy Works in years KB aucrered them in 1997 98i beileve or they might have been runed by KB idk
Here's a KB Toyworks in Pittsfield in the Allendale Shopping Center at the corner of Route 8 & 9. This is an older plaza, so it's not surprising to see the Toyworks name here.
Here's an old Kay-Bee Toy Store located at the Mountain View Plaza in Naugatuck, Connecticut which is being occupied by an independent company. The signage are still displayed and the fixtures remain inside as well! This Kay-Bee is located next to the vacant Ames building.
Both pictures were taken on March 29, 2006. Not too sure when this Kay-Bee went out of business.
brunswick me
Finally had a chance to go to the part of Shaw's Plaza in Southington where KB Toyworks used to be. They've subdivided it to put a Citi Bank branch in there. With Shaw's closing down in 43 days I'm going to say Shaw's plaza is gonna go under in 6 months if they don't fill the Shaw's spot. I just hope Bernie's does not plan to move into the old Shaw's. That would be horrible. That plaza needs a grocery store. There are a lot of elderly people who live in that area. Plus there's been a grocery store in that plaza for more than 25 years. Until 1981 where Bernies is now was a Waldbaum's Foodmart (which moved to Caldor Village Plaza). Then in 1981 Finast (which became Edwards) opened in the plaza where an independent Department Store called GE Madison's was located. Then Edward's became Shaw's in October 96.
Here's the old KB in Southington. It's being turned into a Citi Bank branch and vacant space. This picture was taken at 6:45AM Tuesday 9/26/06. Don't know why it's so blury. I had to be careful taking this picture because there was a contractor working inside the bank. The bank is on the left. The vacant store is on the right.
Side note: Not visable in the picture is a Strawberrie's CD Store. It looks like their sign caught fire because the whole front is ripped off the sign and it looks like the rest of the sign is all melted.
Call me evil, but too bad the fire didn't spread and destroy the whole plaza. It wouldn't been the best thing to happen to the plaza.
*Also at 1AM Saturday 9/16/06 a Price Chopper Tractor Trailer came through the plaza, smashed down a cement collumn in the parking lot and wiped out a Shaw's cart.*
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc82
Here's the old KB in Southington. It's being turned into a Citi Bank branch and vacant space. This picture was taken at 6:45AM Tuesday 9/26/06. Don't know why it's so blury. I had to be careful taking this picture because there was a contractor working inside the bank. The bank is on the left. The vacant store is on the right.
Side note: Not visable in the picture is a Strawberrie's CD Store. It looks like their sign caught fire because the whole front is ripped off the sign and it looks like the rest of the sign is all melted.
Call me evil, but too bad the fire didn't spread and destroy the whole plaza. It wouldn't been the best thing to happen to the plaza.
*Also at 1AM Saturday 9/16/06 a Price Chopper Tractor Trailer came through the plaza, smashed down a cement collumn in the parking lot and wiped out a Shaw's cart.*
you are not evil for saying that. it would make the plaza have to get remodeled. the plaza looked somewhat old, but not the worst.
I went to crystal mall a few weeks ago and that kb is an educational store and the store was white (I could tell that was a KB toys).
Kb toys is no longer in most of the 10 largest malls in america: mall of america, south coast plaza, palasades mall. probably leases are too high.
kb toys in king of prussia is no longer under the list of stores in the kb toys locations in PA. but I was at that one in june and it was busy and it had a modern KB toys logo.
well I agree with my dad on saying this: KB AND LEASES DONT MIX.
Here's an old-school Kay Bee Toys from the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. It's facade is probably 1980's and has been changed over the years rebranded to K-B Toys but not this store!
Here's a Kay Bee Toys at the Newburgh Mall in Newburgh, NY. This was the second checkerboard 80's Kay Bee sighting in one day!
Here's a "Kay Bee" in Patchogue, New York (Long Island). Check out that bizarre logo.
Are ALL of the Kay Bee town stores now out of business or do some still remain today (in 2007)?
QuoteOriginally posted by HoJofan206
Are ALL of the Kay Bee town stores now out of business or do some still remain today (in 2007)?
half of them from before bankruptcy remain open.
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
Here's a "Kay Bee" in Patchogue, New York (Long Island). Check out that bizarre logo.
I believe that was Kay Bee's Old School Logo. If you ever catch reruns of Double Dare on Nick GAS, you can see Ads for Kay Bee on there. Also can see some really cool Old School Toys R Us Promos on there.
Kay Bee/K-B Toys (and former off-mall since closed subsidary Toy Works) has been in deep trouble in the past years. They no longer sell video games and their stores look heavily liquidated as if they're going out of business or an outlet store. The warmth their stores used to have, kind of like Toys R Us but not to the same extent, has been gone for a long time.
A few years ago when they purged a slew of their stores in my area, I knew they didn't have too much to go. I'm wholly surprised the chain isn't completely closed by now. They're, without any doubt, in their last wave.
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
Kay Bee/K-B Toys (and former off-mall since closed subsidary Toy Works) has been in deep trouble in the past years. They no longer sell video games and their stores look heavily liquidated as if they're going out of business or an outlet store. The warmth their stores used to have, kind of like Toys R Us but not to the same extent, has been gone for a long time.
A few years ago when they purged a slew of their stores in my area, I knew they didn't have too much to go. I'm wholly surprised the chain isn't completely closed by now. They're, without any doubt, in their last wave.
Thats true everytime I go by one of their stores it always looks like they are closing..
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
Here's a Kay Bee Toys at the Newburgh Mall in Newburgh, NY. This was the second checkerboard 80's Kay Bee sighting in one day!
thats the compact they used in the early 90's like 1990 1991 danbuy mall store use to lookliek that and so did teh jefferson vally one to they bouth have chaged there looks but theres one in the mall in whit elanes which still has the early 90's compact and i believe they did not change the inside of it eather
I remember in the mid to late '70s a store called Toy and Hobby World, there were 3 at local malls (Trumbull Shopping Park-Trumbull, CT , The Ansonia Mall- Ansonia, CT and The Naugatuck Valley Mall-Waterbury, CT), these soon changed their names to Kay Bee Toy and Hobby World and later dropped the 'and Hobby World (the Ansonia Mall one closed shortly after the name change). I'm guessing that KB bought out this chain back then as this was my first exposure to them. I remember buying my first Star Wars figure, an R2-D2 at Toy and Hobby World in 1978 for a whopping $7.99, my mother went nuts, especially when the following week I got some at Child World for $.99.
My co-worker Jeff and I went to the KB at the Westfield Shopping Town in Meirden tonight. There wasn't much for us guys who are in our twenties. Most of the stuff in there was for really young kids and they were even playing a song from Barney & Friends. The worst part was my buddy Jeff was singing along to the Barney song. As we were leaving the store I said loud enough for the clerk to hear "Jeff, if you liked that song so much why don't you ask the clerk if they have it on CD".
The last time I was at a KB was the one at the Plainville Commons back in May 2006. My buddy Paul and I went and there was a much bigger selection of stuff for us guys in our 20s.
The KB Toys in the Stamford Town Center mall abruptly closed as I went to the mall earlier this week. I saw no article or anything about their closing. Perhaps they are clothing for a renovation. I doubt it though considering that it's all boarded up (with white blocks) with no message written on the walls about that.
QuoteOriginally posted by justinguy276
The KB Toys in the Stamford Town Center mall abruptly closed as I went to the mall earlier this week. I saw no article or anything about their closing. Perhaps they are clothing for a renovation. I doubt it though considering that it's all boarded up (with white blocks) with no message written on the walls about that.
it is not on the store locator!!!! I plan to visit this mall this summer.
the one in the berkshire mall in lanesboro is too.
QuoteOriginally posted by justinguy276
The KB Toys in the Stamford Town Center mall abruptly closed as I went to the mall earlier this week. I saw no article or anything about their closing. Perhaps they are clothing for a renovation. I doubt it though considering that it's all boarded up (with white blocks) with no message written on the walls about that.
I've got a few pictures of the Kay Bee at Stamford Town Center from this past Summer (2006). Unfortunately, I'm not at my home computer right now but I'll post them tomorrow. I think there's a few in my Yahoo album actually.
I wonder what's happening with Kay Bee. They're, no doubt, in their gravest years yet having closed stores in the past years but they're miraculously holding on. They opened a brand new store at Westfield Conn. Post (Milford, CT) last Summer, which greatly surprised me seeing their woes. It's possible to suspect either end of the spectrum - I'm likely to believe they're shuttering for good at Stamford Town Center. Places who renovate usually let their customers know.
I took over 200 pictures of the amazing Stamford Town Center and plan to go back and take more this Spring or Summer (as my skills have advanced since). It's a wonderfully built [Taubman] mall even if the offerings are quite ordinary. Security never gave me trouble, and didn't even care when they saw my camera with me when I trespassed on the roof (non-access) but a friend of mine was told "absolutely not" to take pictures from his recent visit. We'll see what happens when I go back...
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
QuoteOriginally posted by justinguy276
The KB Toys in the Stamford Town Center mall abruptly closed as I went to the mall earlier this week. I saw no article or anything about their closing. Perhaps they are clothing for a renovation. I doubt it though considering that it's all boarded up (with white blocks) with no message written on the walls about that.
I've got a few pictures of the Kay Bee at Stamford Town Center from this past Summer (2006). Unfortunately, I'm not at my home computer right now but I'll post them tomorrow. I think there's a few in my Yahoo album actually.
I wonder what's happening with Kay Bee. They're, no doubt, in their gravest years yet having closed stores in the past years but they're miraculously holding on. They opened a brand new store at Westfield Conn. Post (Milford, CT) last Summer, which greatly surprised me seeing their woes. It's possible to suspect either end of the spectrum - I'm likely to believe they're shuttering for good at Stamford Town Center. Places who renovate usually let their customers know.
I took over 200 pictures of the amazing Stamford Town Center and plan to go back and take more this Spring or Summer (as my skills have advanced since). It's a wonderfully built [Taubman] mall even if the offerings are quite ordinary. Security never gave me trouble, and didn't even care when they saw my camera with me when I trespassed on the roof (non-access) but a friend of mine was told "absolutely not" to take pictures from his recent visit. We'll see what happens when I go back...
well those closings have to do with lease issues. King of prussia closed last fall and the one in berlin mall in barre vt did. Every year around now KB would close a few stores. but its not part of a mass purge.
Here's the Kay Bee, now closed, at Stamford Town Center (Stamford, CT). Took this shot on July 24, 2006.
QuoteOriginally posted by d_fifewell those closings have to do with lease issues. King of prussia closed last fall and the one in berlin mall in barre vt did. Every year around now KB would close a few stores. but its not part of a mass purge.
K-B Toys entered Chapter 11 in 2004. They closed 365 locations following that. That's a mass purge. Since then, it seems they've been "dripping" in closure i.e. locations have just been closing as a fallout of the company's bankruptcy woes. This has everything to do with their lease issues; they simply can't keep up financially.
I don't think it can be argued that Kay Bee has declined and is suffering a great deal over the last few years judging by their disappearance of locations all around. But just look; their stores are looking like heavily depleted outlets and they ceased traffic in video games just a few years ago which used to keep them very competitive with Toys R Us.
Explain what you mean by lease issue... I believe the company is systematically downsizing and has been as a trend of decline due to their bankruptcy. So, they're holding onto what they've got and what they can manage. I don't want to cast dark clouds on them but it's going to see the end of them very soon as I truly believe these are the chain's last year(s).
Just walk by a store: you can see it with your very own eyes. Much like Toys "R" Us, they are hurting a great deal from an inability to adapt with changes in market trends. If that wasn't true, TRU would've shuttered 87 stores last year apart from another factor of them taking control from earlier expansion years.
Here's a K-B Toys "Coming Soon" at Westfield Connecticut Post (Milford, CT) as of August 2006.
This is interesting because the chain is undoubtably having problems closing down a whole bunch of stores. Yet, opening new stores with fresh images is nothing new to retailers who are having troubles. I assume this store is open now, haven't been back to the mall since August '06.
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
Here's the Kay Bee, now closed, at Stamford Town Center (Stamford, CT). Took this shot on July 24, 2006.
QuoteOriginally posted by d_fifewell those closings have to do with lease issues. King of prussia closed last fall and the one in berlin mall in barre vt did. Every year around now KB would close a few stores. but its not part of a mass purge.
Maybe I used the wrong term there. It's not a mass purge (even though I'd describe that as such a few years back when many stores closed in Connecticut) but I don't think it can be argued that Kay Bee has declined and is suffering a great deal over the last few years judging by their disappearance of locations all around. But just look; their stores are looking like heavily depleted outlets and they ceased traffic in video games just a few years ago.
Explain what you mean by lease issue... that could very much factor into their losing stores: because they can't keep sales high enough to keep stores open thus downsizing to keep only their essential locations going. I believe the company is systematically downsizing to hold onto what they've got and can manage and eventually, it's going to see the end of them. I truly believe these are the chain's last year(s). Just walk by a store: you can see it with your very own eyes. Much like Toys "R" Us, they are hurting a great deal from an inability to adapt with changes in market trends. If that wasn't true, TRU would've shuttered 87 stores last year apart from another factor of them taking control from earlier expansion years.
ceasing video game is dumb.
Toys r us' problems are not as great as KB toys. No way. They had good christmas.
KB closed all stores around cleveland and left the outelt store 25 miles away in aurora. They are only 44 states. they are no longer in the mall of america. How dumb!!! and palisades mall. I went to crystal mall last september and the store is a puzzle store. I Went to the one in saugus mass in square one mall and no one was in it. The one that closed in Berlin mall in barre, I went there 2 years ago and no one was in it. MY dad finds KB Toys lackluster. all their wyoming stores closed and ther was never a Toys r us there so there is no real toy store in wyoming (That state too has no kohl's or borders). They closed all their alaska stores, well probably due to distribution. They pulled out of the states of Alaska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, North Dakoda and south dakoda. and its only KB branches in Idaho, Kansas, Utah, Iowa, Oregon, Colorado, Missisippi and Minnesota is KB toy outlet. (Idaho, Kansas, Iowa and minnesota have one and Oregon, Utah, Missisippi and colorado have 3 or 4). Only one KB toy is left in Washington state - in vancouver and that state has 3 or 4 kb toy outlets. KB toys is nearly a regional at this point
michigan got hit hard as did Ohio and connecticut and Rhode island. rhode island has 2 kb toys left and 2 toy works.
QuoteOriginally posted by d_fife
ceasing video game is dumb.
Toys r us' problems are not as great as KB toys. No way. They had good christmas.
KB closed all stores around cleveland and left the outelt store 25 miles away in aurora. They are only 44 states. they are no longer in the mall of america. How dumb!!! and palisades mall. I went to crystal mall last september and the store is a puzzle store. I Went to the one in saugus mass in square one mall and no one was in it. The one that closed in Berlin mall in barre, I went there 2 years ago and no one was in it. MY dad finds KB Toys lackluster. all their wyoming stores closed and ther was never a Toys r us there so there is no real toy store in wyoming (That state too has no kohl's or borders). They closed all their alaska stores, well probably due to distribution. They pulled out of the states of Alaska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, North Dakoda and south dakoda. and its only KB branches in Idaho, Kansas, Utah, Iowa, Oregon, Colorado, Missisippi and Minnesota is KB toy outlet. (Idaho, Kansas, Iowa and minnesota have one and Oregon, Utah, Missisippi and colorado have 3 or 4). Only one KB toy is left in Washington state - in vancouver and that state has 3 or 4 kb toy outlets. KB toys is nearly a regional at this point
michigan got hit hard as did Ohio and connecticut and Rhode island. rhode island has 2 kb toys left and 2 toy works.
Appearently while you were responding I've revised my statement. I can repost it....
K-B Toy Works; Torrington, CT. 3-9-07.
Another interesting discovery. This K-B Toys was once located on the otherside of the plaza a few years back. Now, it appears to be moved. I could be wrong...
QuoteOriginally posted by d_fife
brunswick me
Sign inside the Mall in Brunswick:
Here's the KB Toys at Westfield Connecticut Post. It's a brand new one, built in 2006. I never imagined KB Toys would be building new stores in the midst of all their struggling ones. Oh so colorful... kind of reminds me of the late Kids R Us.
I swore I saw some video games in the one in Watertown, NY recently. I remember when they where clearing them out a few years ago...
They've gone down hill, yes... but they charged a LOT more than every other store. So I can't feel too bad for them.
I remember seeing video games in the one in Auburn, MA, which no longer exists. I agree, everything there was marked way up. I used to shop for a lot of younger cousins and most of the stuff you could get for less even at the Toys r Us across the street, which is pretty bad because I was never too impressed with their prices either.
I don't buy current gen video games... the latest system I own is a Xbox, and I buy more retro games (Sega mainly) so I have to do a lot of online shopping. Shipping kills me...
kb toys is closing 156 more stores!!!!!!!!! uh oh
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110201892.html
I looked on the store locator and it shows (As many states as I looked and many) Toy works is not there and they must have CLOSED THAT WHOLE BRANCH (TOY WORKS) And CT ones closing is Enfield (KB toys) and Toy works: stratford, Torrington, Newtown and Plainville. KEene and EVEN PITTSFIELD ARE CLOSING TOO!!!!
only 400 KB toys will be left.
I'm shocked but not surprised "Toy Works" is finally closing. I got so many of my toys there and it was very memorable for me.
You could tell even as far back as 2002 that something was wrong. The Newington store was never fully stocked in front especially, and then that location closed in 2004.
When I visited Plainville about 3 years ago, they were fairly well stocked, however, with the size of the store, I knew it wouldn't last because of the over abundance of choices these days, and not enough room to stock everything. They were also a biy expensive.
It's a good thing I found this out, because my mom wanted to go to the Plainville store to buy toys for kids she knows. It looks like all the Toy Works stores are already closed. Am I right?
Here's the KEENE, N.H. store, taken this past Saturday.
I guess it's closing, you can see "end of the world" sale signs. Daylight savings and all, I made it here kind of late...
The KEENE, N.H. store has an older generation logo on the building side. Again, made it here a tad too late (or early to light up for night).
We all saw this coming. I'm only surprised the chain lasted this long because when they stopped selling video games, stores were very scant looking and I knew the end was near. It's sad, I have very fond memories of KB and Toys "R" Us but that died when KB lost just about everything I knew growing up.
QuoteOriginally posted by d_fife
I looked on the store locator and it shows (As many states as I looked and many) Toy works is not there and they must have CLOSED THAT WHOLE BRANCH (TOY WORKS) And CT ones closing is Enfield (KB toys) and Toy works: stratford, Torrington, Newtown and Plainville. KEene and EVEN PITTSFIELD ARE CLOSING TOO!!!!
only 400 KB toys will be left.
They put All the Toy works back in the store locator and are not liquidating their whole Toy Works branch. I dont know why Toy works vanished from the store locator list, and then reappeared. just all the Toy works in NH And CT will be gone. Why Torrington? for closing? and keene?
Wrote up a story about it last week: http://thecaldorrainbow.blogspot.com/2007/11/k-b-toys-2-b-closing-156-stores.html
I went by the Waterbury (Brass Mill Center) store today. As usual, dead, dead, dead but stocked beyond a kid's wildest dreams. Saw the Enfield store over the weekend and it's definitely in the process of closing. Enfield will be the only mall-side closure while the rest, in plazas, are closing up.
The current headline about Toys "R" Us is in your honor, Dan.
The final stores in Rhode Island (Providence Place Mall and in the Narraganset Plaza in Rumford) are closing. This state will not have a single K B left. We'll either have to go up to Taunton Mass or into Wrentham Mass. Looks like Toys R Us will have a monopoly. I'll miss Toy Works, yeah they were overpriced but it is just sad to see another chain close up.
So far, our K & B store is just fine. Thanksgiving advertisement came out, with TONS of stuff in it, including GameBoy Advance games, and all the latest toys. No danger of closing here, either that, or looks can be deceiving. They're doing just fine. Even with Toys R Us across the highway, I don't see this store closing any time soon. Oh, this is Westmoreland Mall in Greensburg, PA.
KB toys in West Paterson NJ (near Totowa) and 1-2 miles from WIllowbrook mall (That KB is closing too)
When I was visiting Jacksonville for Christmas I went to the KB thats closing in the mall there. Everything was 40-60% off and fixtures were for sale There was alot still left. I had forgot that the KB's sign still says "Kay Bee Toys" , it was never updated to the newer KB Toys sign. I wish I would have got a picture.
Here's a shot of a guy holding a sign for the closing sale of the Plymouth, MA KB Toys.
K-B Toys at EMERALD SQUARE (Mall); NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA. Taken on 1-8-08 (from second level).
This one isn't closing (yet), it would seem. Notice how it has the "toy soldier", tagging it to leftovers from the early 90s.
K-B Toy Works; PLAINVILLE, CONN. Taken today (1-9-08).
Store will be closing, probably in the next week(s). It's a relatively new store that opened with the plaza in the late 90's
K-B Toy Works; PLAINVILLE, CONN. Taken today (1-9-08).
The sign.
KB Toys Jacksonville, FL taken 1/9/08
As you can see it still has the old "Kay-Bee Toys" logo.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/dmx10101/100_0674.jpg)
ENFIELD SQUARE / MALL; ENFIELD, CT. Taken 12-28-2007.
Store's closing soon. This is somewhat odd since most mall stores were kept open in this state.
The KB Toy Works in Turnersville, NJ closed around 2005-2006. I guess the fact that it was right next to a Wal-Mart Supercenter didn't help too much. The first time I went in the place was kinda dirty.
In the Philadelphia area, we have 1 KB Toy Works store, located at South 69th Street & Ludlow Street, in what used to be the Upper Darby branch store for Lit Brothers.
Ours is gone it still sits empty, no word on the replacement.
They renamed their outlet store in St Augustine, FL to KB Toys, It had always been named Toy Liquidators.
Port Chester, NY
(http://www.siteride.com/srimg/pics/36/1092/ground/jpg/100104.jpg)
Norwalk, CT
(http://siteride.com/srimg/pics/9/1032/ground/jpg/100452.jpg)
Neither of these locations is in the store locator on their site, so I assume both are gone.
I've been in the Norwalk one before. It was cramped, cluttered and tiny, but always seemed to have a more unique selection than other area locations.
The Port Chester one, I never even knew existed, but apparently was in the same shopping center right off the highway just as you crossed over the NY/CT border that once contained a Caldor and Pergament.
The KB Toys at Woodlands Mall in The Woodlands, Texas opened in 1994 and had the "Kay Bee Toys" name. There was a short-lived KB Toy Works in Broomall, PA, and another one in East Norriton, PA.
And a little information about the company: KB was owned by Melville Corporation. KB was sold to Consolidated Stores, owner of Big Lots, when Melville was dissolved. Their website used to be called "KBkids.com". They later bought eToys after it went bankrupt.
i miss the one in aburn ma i used togo ther a lot
KB to open 30 new stores
PITTSFIELD , Mass. (Oct. 14) KB Toys announced the opening of thirty new stores to open for the holiday shopping season.KB Toys announced the opening of 30 new stores to open for the holiday shopping season.
The stores will be located in leading malls and shopping centers from New York to California, plus Puerto Rico. "These new locations, not only make shopping for affordable toys more convenient, but also bring new jobs to the area", said Andy Bailen, ceo of KB Toys; "the stores will be filled with all the best toys, including video games and family DVD movies from our popular Super Value program."
Closed KB Toy Works in the Cross Keys Plaza in Turnersville, NJ. Soon to become a Retro Fitness center.
Here is a picture of the Kay Bee Toys at Neshaminy Mall, taken on 12/29/2008, in it's final days.
I was at the one at the Meriden Square Mall last Saturday (The 27th). The back half of the store which was empty was blocked off by Yellow Caution Tape. There wasn't much left. I overheard one of the employees telling a customer they didn't expect to make it to next Saturday (which would be tomorrow the 3rd). Meanwhile Connecticut Attorney General Dick Blumenthal said "You Must Use Your KB Gift Cards by January 11th".
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc82
I was at the one at the Meriden Square Mall last Saturday (The 27th). The back half of the store which was empty was blocked off by Yellow Caution Tape. There wasn't much left. I overheard one of the employees telling a customer they didn't expect to make it to next Saturday (which would be tomorrow the 3rd). Meanwhile Connecticut Attorney General Dick Blumenthal said "You Must Use Your KB Gift Cards by January 11th".
Why is his name censored?
thats odd it thinks Richard Blumenthal is a bad word :insane:
i think all kb toys are gone now :hurt:
Sometimes the media refers to him as D.I.C.K. and sometimes Richard. I forgot that the board censors D.I.C.K.
Here's the KB Toys in Lawrenceville, GA in Discover Mills mall (taken 1/5/09)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/dmx10101/IMG00012.jpg)
And heres a pic of the now closed kb toys from neshaminy mall (bensalem, pa)
(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/121/kbtoysclosedrk4.jpg)
ALL KB TOYS CLOSED FEBRUARY 9.
o well i never liked them
another one that went out sadley now all we have left is toys r us
QuoteOriginally posted by XISMZERO
The KEENE, N.H. store has an older generation logo on the building side. Again, made it here a tad too late (or early to light up for night).
We all saw this coming. I'm only surprised the chain lasted this long because when they stopped selling video games, stores were very scant looking and I knew the end was near. It's sad, I have very fond memories of KB and Toys "R" Us but that died when KB lost just about everything I knew growing up.
The "Toy Works" part of the sign was original. The "THE" got swapped to K.B. fairly late, I'd say 2003 or 2004. The front sign got changed the same time, from The Toy Works to the K.B. logo you got a picture of
The store is still abandoned as of 2009, don't see anything going into it anytime soon. I had a lot of childhood memories going to the Keene Toy Works and many others
Old Southington KB Toys. Closed in 03 (or 04) during the first round of closings. Was originally a TOYWORKS. The part of the store front covered with the brown paper was a Citi Bank from late 06 until July 08. Pic take today 2/21/09.
Old Southington KB Toys. Closed in 03 (or 04) during the first round of closings. Was originally a TOYWORKS. Pic take today 2/21/09.
Old Southington KB Toys. Closed in 03 (or 04) during the first round of closings. Was originally a TOYWORKS. The part of the store front covered with the brown paper was a Citi Bank from late 06 until July 08. Pic take today 2/21/09.
We should move this to the closed chain thread since their gone.
i went to kb toys a lot when i was a kid like evey thrusday it was ethier them or toys acrose that was acrose from the mall
QuoteOriginally posted by NJF
The now-closed KB in a Tallahassee, FL mall. Snapped the day after they closed.
They couldn't take down the last day signs?
Aha, caught OSJL in Westfield, MA (former Ames) using KB Toys bags, which also uses Ames carts and Caldor checkouts!
Heres a sales flyer
<a href="http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/jmcnamara96/?action=view¤t=JoesPictures036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/jmcnamara96/JoesPictures036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Snapped this at the Bangor Mall today...unfortunately there were some employees lurking so I tried to be quick and as a result it came out a tad on the blurry side. Nevertheless, I'm sure this will be painted over soon enough, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity. At least I got something.
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/kendradd/Retail/DSC00067.jpg)
That's their receiving door...notice how it still says "Kay-Bee"...from my memories of the Bangor Mall and the fact that the tan color scheme has never been changed, I would have to wonder if that is original 1978, or whenever KB opened if it was not open at the mall's inception.
QuoteOriginally posted by C. Fontaine
Aha, caught OSJL in Westfield, MA (former Ames) using KB Toys bags, which also uses Ames carts and Caldor checkouts!
Chris, the Job Lot in Bristol, CT (former TJ MAXX) had the KB Toy bags too!
The old KB at the Meriden Square Mall will become an arcade.
http://myrecordjournal.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=20323396&BRD=2755&PAG=461&dept_id=592709&rfi=6
Toys "R" Us has purchased the KB Toys name, including its Web site, trademarks and intellectual property rights
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125209531190087209.html
I don't understand the point of that.
It seems to me many, including the one in my hometown
are still sitting vacant and untouched
QuoteOriginally posted by TRJ22487
I don't understand the point of that.
It seems to me many, including the one in my hometown
are still sitting vacant and untouched
They're buying the name/trademark, not the actual properties.
QuoteOriginally posted by catsnap1972
QuoteOriginally posted by TRJ22487
I don't understand the point of that.
It seems to me many, including the one in my hometown
are still sitting vacant and untouched
They're buying the name/trademark, not the actual properties.
I understand that, I just don't understand what that does for them or why they would want it
QuoteOriginally posted by TRJ22487
QuoteOriginally posted by catsnap1972
They're buying the name/trademark, not the actual properties.
I understand that, I just don't understand what that does for them or why they would want it
You could say the same about Tiger Direct with their purchase of the Circuit City and CompUSA names.
Well, Tiger Direct doesn't have any brick-and-mortar stores, while Toys R Us does.
CompUSA doesn't exist anymore? Where have I been?
QuoteOriginally posted by videogamer75
Well, Tiger Direct doesn't have any brick-and-mortar stores, while Toys R Us does.
Actually it's Systemax that owns Tiger Direct, Compusa and now Circuit City. And Compusa does have brick and mortar stores 25 locations actually- http://www.compusa.com/retailstores/compusaStores/index.asp
I knew Systemax owned Tiger Direct, but for some reason I forgot about those 25 CompUSA stores re-opening.
San Ysidro, CA
from http://www.flickr.com/photos/southerncalifornian/3155712656/
I'm sad that this chain had to go. Had a lot of good childhood memories throughout the entire 90's at Toy Works and KB
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/nct001.jpg)
Been doing some cleaning and came across this unopened box of Gameboy Printer Paper from 1998
In the past few weeks the Keene, NH location was converted to a Dollar Tree after being vacant for over two years
QuoteOriginally posted by TRJ22487
I'm sad that this chain had to go. Had a lot of good childhood memories throughout the entire 90's at Toy Works and KB
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/nct001.jpg)
Been doing some cleaning and came across this unopened box of Gameboy Printer Paper from 1998
Gameboy printer paper? Never used gameboy what was the paper used for?
In the past few weeks the Keene, NH location was converted to a Dollar Tree after being vacant for over two years
Today I uploaded a string of Nickelodeon commercials from 1994
One was for Kay Bee Toys in a Kool-Aid/Nickelodeon Gak promotion
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/kb1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/kb2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/kb3.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iU0Q803gzU
That is awesome!! I remember Nick in the Afternoon, Hey Dude, and Nick Magazine. I had a Nick Magazine subscription for a long time...I bought the last issue at Acme back in November, too.
2002-2007
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/2250588833_8507c01008.jpg)
2010
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/32110001.jpg)
After being vacant for three years the Keene NH location is now a Dollar Tree.
Before 2002 it was a larger Toy Works with a CVS next door.
Poor KB. Just could not stand the heat from the mighty and godlike TRU.
Quote from: TRJ22487 on March 21, 2010, 08:39:36 AM
2002-2007
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/2250588833_8507c01008.jpg)
2010
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/32110001.jpg)
After being vacant for three years the Keene NH location is now a Dollar Tree.
Before 2002 it was a larger Toy Works with a CVS next door.
why didnt it become another toy store there, what will one do now to get toys there and why did they chose to close the Keene one in a round of closings when its the only store like that there.
Quote from: d_fife on March 25, 2010, 02:10:05 AM
why didnt it become another toy store there, what will one do now to get toys there and why did they chose to close the Keene one in a round of closings when its the only store like that there.
It seems to me the Keene location really started to struggle post 9/11. It was a strong store before that. When the CVS turned into a Petco they expanded Petco and reduced the size of KB Toys. Once they reorganized the entire store and moved the videogame section from the middle to the store to the side I thought they were in trouble. When they announced they would stop selling videogames altogether, they were done.
There is the locally owned Toy City still in Keene. It used to be in the Center at Keene plaza.
Now it is next to Keene Cinemas in the former Sears.
Quote from: TRJ22487 on March 25, 2010, 04:26:32 AM
Quote from: d_fife on March 25, 2010, 02:10:05 AM
why didnt it become another toy store there, what will one do now to get toys there and why did they chose to close the Keene one in a round of closings when its the only store like that there.
It seems to me the Keene location really started to struggle post 9/11. It was a strong store before that. When the CVS turned into a Petco they expanded Petco and reduced the size of KB Toys. Once they reorganized the entire store and moved the videogame section from the middle to the store to the side I thought they were in trouble. When they announced they would stop selling videogames altogether, they were done.
There is the locally owned Toy City still in Keene. It used to be in the Center at Keene plaza.
Now it is next to Keene Cinemas in the former Sears.
is there a Toy City and whats it like?? AND back to TOy works, I noticed that when i went in the one in Keene in 2005 where they shrunk the store and WHY DID THEY???? KB toy works in Laconia near the Belknap mall did that and I could tell it was the end, it closed in early 2005 and lost business and I went in there zillions of times, it was 25 miles form my house. AGain why did they scale back the store. why did they? and did the Toy works branch have problems as a lot of them seemed to close
When did KB Toys start their Toy works branch? And when did Keene open?
Quote from: d_fife on March 25, 2010, 04:52:18 PM
Quote from: TRJ22487 on March 25, 2010, 04:26:32 AM
Quote from: d_fife on March 25, 2010, 02:10:05 AM
why didnt it become another toy store there, what will one do now to get toys there and why did they chose to close the Keene one in a round of closings when its the only store like that there.
It seems to me the Keene location really started to struggle post 9/11. It was a strong store before that. When the CVS turned into a Petco they expanded Petco and reduced the size of KB Toys. Once they reorganized the entire store and moved the videogame section from the middle to the store to the side I thought they were in trouble. When they announced they would stop selling videogames altogether, they were done.
There is the locally owned Toy City still in Keene. It used to be in the Center at Keene plaza.
Now it is next to Keene Cinemas in the former Sears.
is there a Toy City and whats it like?? AND back to TOy works, I noticed that when i went in the one in Keene in 2005 where they shrunk the store and WHY DID THEY???? KB toy works in Laconia near the Belknap mall did that and I could tell it was the end, it closed in early 2005 and lost business and I went in there zillions of times, it was 25 miles form my house. AGain why did they scale back the store. why did they? and did the Toy works branch have problems as a lot of them seemed to close
When did KB Toys start their Toy works branch? And when did Keene open?
If I had to estimate I'd say the Keene location opened in 1992. It was an Edward's Supermarket before that. It always had the original "THE TOY WORKS" on the front and side of the building up until the early 2000's. There also used to be a carnival with a ferris wheel in the parking lot every summer until about 1996. Why they scaled back around 2002, I don't know. I do know it happened at the same time that the CVS next door moved out for a Petco, maybe in that case the Petco needed to be bigger. But without doubt, once the store scaled back in size it was NEVER the same. Lost the charm it had. And then when they stopped selling videogames, GOODBYE. That store was my childhood favorite back in the early 90's. I used to bolt to the Genesis and SNES kiosks immediately to try out the newest games, and I could get stuck in the back with the toys for hours. Those days are just gone....
But without a doubt, of all the "Kay-Bee" stores, those original "THE TOY WORKS" stores were THE best.
No, it wasn't a trip to Toys R Us, but it was still great back then...
As for Toy City, they mostly sell models and building toys, they also have a large selection of Baby Cribs.
As far as I know the same guy has always owned it. He is always in every commercial. I've never had much of an interest in the store except for when it was in it's old location, back in 1998/1999 when the Pokemon Card craze hit.
I'm sure that's the best business that place ever got, and the owner embraced it fully having card tournaments and such
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/32110004.jpg)
This is the current location in the former Sears. Moved here when Sears moved to the former Big K-Mart.
Quote from: TRJ22487 on March 25, 2010, 06:52:09 PM
Quote from: d_fife on March 25, 2010, 04:52:18 PM
Quote from: TRJ22487 on March 25, 2010, 04:26:32 AM
Quote from: d_fife on March 25, 2010, 02:10:05 AM
why didnt it become another toy store there, what will one do now to get toys there and why did they chose to close the Keene one in a round of closings when its the only store like that there.
It seems to me the Keene location really started to struggle post 9/11. It was a strong store before that. When the CVS turned into a Petco they expanded Petco and reduced the size of KB Toys. Once they reorganized the entire store and moved the videogame section from the middle to the store to the side I thought they were in trouble. When they announced they would stop selling videogames altogether, they were done.
There is the locally owned Toy City still in Keene. It used to be in the Center at Keene plaza.
Now it is next to Keene Cinemas in the former Sears.
is there a Toy City and whats it like?? AND back to TOy works, I noticed that when i went in the one in Keene in 2005 where they shrunk the store and WHY DID THEY???? KB toy works in Laconia near the Belknap mall did that and I could tell it was the end, it closed in early 2005 and lost business and I went in there zillions of times, it was 25 miles form my house. AGain why did they scale back the store. why did they? and did the Toy works branch have problems as a lot of them seemed to close
When did KB Toys start their Toy works branch? And when did Keene open?
If I had to estimate I'd say the Keene location opened in 1992. It was an Edward's Supermarket before that. It always had the original "THE TOY WORKS" on the front and side of the building up until the early 2000's. Why they scaled back, I don't know. I do know it happened at the same time that the CVS next door moved out for a Petco, maybe in that case the Petco needed to be bigger. But without doubt, once the store scaled back in size it was NEVER the same. Lost the charm it had. And then when they stopped selling videogames, GOODBYE. That store was my childhood favorite back in the early 90's. I used to bolt to the Genesis and SNES kiosks immediately to try out the newest games, and I could get stuck in the back with the toys for hours. Those days are just gone....
But without a doubt, of all the "Kay-Bee" stores, those original "THE TOY WORKS" stores were THE best.
No, it wasn't a trip to Toys R Us, but it was still great back then...
As for Toy City, they mostly sell models and building toys, they also have a large selection of Baby Cribs.
As far as I know the same guy has always owned it. He is always in every commercial. I've never had much of an interest in the store except for when it was in it's old location, back in 1998/1999 when the Pokemon Card craze hit.
I'm sure that's the best business that place ever got, and the owner embraced it fully having card tournaments and such
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/more/32110004.jpg)
This is the current location in the former Sears. Moved here when Sears moved to the former Big K-Mart.
that Toy works must have opened in the 1980s
and when did KB Toys start the Toy Works branch and can anyone remember when the one in Laconia / Belmont opened (it was near the Belknap mall) as when they announced its closing in Fall 2004, it said it had been there for 15 years, I Swear it was there longer than that.
http://www.kbtoys.com/KB/comingsoon.html
Why is the URL coming soon?
I wonder how old the Toy Works in Winsted, Connecticut was.
It was all by itself in a tiny low roofed building on the side of the road, not in a plaza
no other stores near it. I think it closed around 1997-1998. That was my favorite Toy Works
It was a little down the road from the Ames. That store just seemed ancient, I always thought it would be much older than 1989
By the way I went to Toy City today for the first time since I was 12 back in 1999.
Sure enough the owner was in there and I said hello and told him I used to come in the old location everyday for Pokemon Cards and we just talked about how fast time flies. He looks just the same though
The store however is very impressive! They have a great collection of board games, legos, model kits, so yes Keene still does have a good toy store left for kids that don't want to go to Target/Walmart
Super Nintendo Store Kiosk from Kay-Bee Toys
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344161104_o.jpg)
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344160687_o.jpg)
Quote from: TRJ22487 on April 02, 2010, 02:35:05 AM
Super Nintendo Store Kiosk from Kay-Bee Toys
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344161104_o.jpg)
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344160687_o.jpg)
That is AWESOME! I really wish I could find something like that on eBay or something!
Quote from: C. Fontaine on April 02, 2010, 09:08:36 AM
Quote from: TRJ22487 on April 02, 2010, 02:35:05 AM
Super Nintendo Store Kiosk from Kay-Bee Toys
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344161104_o.jpg)
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344160687_o.jpg)
That is AWESOME! I really wish I could find something like that on eBay or something!
I used to have one.. It broke.. :(
Quote from: amesman on April 02, 2010, 10:17:47 AM
Quote from: C. Fontaine on April 02, 2010, 09:08:36 AM
Quote from: TRJ22487 on April 02, 2010, 02:35:05 AM
Super Nintendo Store Kiosk from Kay-Bee Toys
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344161104_o.jpg)
(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/3/2/0/3/2/webimg/344160687_o.jpg)
That is AWESOME! I really wish I could find something like that on eBay or something!
I used to have one.. It broke.. :(
Iwant that i have a Super Nintendo like that if it counts :)
and when did KB Toys start the Toy Works branch and can anyone remember when the one in Laconia / Belmont opened (it was near the Belknap mall) as when they announced its closing in Fall 2004, it said it had been there for 15 years, I Swear it was there longer than that
The Belmont "Toyworks" later renamed "KB Toyworks" opened in 1988 (16 year run). I started working there September 1996 as a seasonal associate. January of 1997 I was promoted to Assistant Mgr later Sr Assistant Mgr and around 1999 Store Mgr through April 2002. I left right before the store was downsized as I could see things were changing and KB's future did not look promising. They basically added a back row of shelving and reduced the depth of the store. I enjoyed working there and have lots of fond memories of KB and the people who worked there.
Quote from: DJ*KB on April 05, 2010, 03:57:42 PM
and when did KB Toys start the Toy Works branch and can anyone remember when the one in Laconia / Belmont opened (it was near the Belknap mall) as when they announced its closing in Fall 2004, it said it had been there for 15 years, I Swear it was there longer than that
The Belmont "Toyworks" later renamed "KB Toyworks" opened in 1988 (16 year run). I started working there September 1996 as a seasonal associate. January of 1997 I was promoted to Assistant Mgr later Sr Assistant Mgr and around 1999 Store Mgr through April 2002. I left right before the store was downsized as I could see things were changing and KB's future did not look promising. They basically added a back row of shelving and reduced the depth of the store. I enjoyed working there and have lots of fond memories of KB and the people who worked there.
I went to that Toy Works in Belmont at least a thousand times, I am from Plymouth thats 25 miles from that and 1988 that would sound right as I remember it being there for a while. and why did they downsize. thats when I found less there.
yes they downsized in 2003 or so probably to help reduce the monthly rent and prepare for closing.
Something might be moving into the old KB Toys at the Meriden Sqaure Mall in the Dick's wing of the mall. All the KB fixtures have finally been removed and there was a guy in there yesterday doing work.
how many TOy works reduced the store like Belmont and Keene?
What was the address to the old Toy Works in Winsted Ct?
I believe it closed in 1997 before the KB merger and became an auction house
It was far on the outskirts of town, on the side of the main road with no plaza
The building was extremely tiny and very old school, still sold NES when they closed and n64 had just come out
It's a shame a picture of that place as Toy Works will likely never exist.
I was wondering if the building was caught on closeup with the new google maps.
I haven't been to Winsted since 2004 when I captured the Ames down the street while it was still vacant with signs up
Vintage "The Toy Works" sticker from 1992
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/tyler/toywrks.jpg)
This was the temporary Holiday 2008 store in the Holyoke Mall in Massachusetts.
The original store closed in 2005. The chain opened 30 "temporary stores" for Holdiay 2008 before closing the chain in 2009.
This was not where the original store had been in the mall. This store tried to capitalize on the closing of Toys R Us at the Holyoke Mall in 2006 (one of my top childhood TRU's)
(http://blog.masslive.com/breakingnews/2008/10/large_KBToys1.jpg)
Could something be getting ready to open in the former KB Toy Works in Bristol, Connecticut in the Price Chopper Plaza? The "For Lease" sign is gone and they're doing asbestos abatement.
Quote from: Marc B on June 25, 2012, 06:32:07 PM
Could something be getting ready to open in the former KB Toy Works in Bristol, Connecticut in the Price Chopper Plaza? The "For Lease" sign is gone and they're doing asbestos abatement.
Keep us informed Please!!
Nothing yet Jim.
Half of Shoprite Plaza in Southington got a new paint job and new roof. Here's a shot of the former KB Toys. The left side was a CitiBank for about 18 months.
Quote from: TRJ_22487 on August 26, 2011, 05:35:05 PM
This was the temporary Holiday 2008 store in the Holyoke Mall in Massachusetts.
The original store closed in 2005. The chain opened 30 "temporary stores" for Holdiay 2008 before closing the chain in 2009.
This was not where the original store had been in the mall. This store tried to capitalize on the closing of Toys R Us at the Holyoke Mall in 2006 (one of my top childhood TRU's)
(http://blog.masslive.com/breakingnews/2008/10/large_KBToys1.jpg)
I remember that Toys R Us from my childhood too! (well, when they closed in 2006 I was still in my "childhood", but whatever. lol)
I think there used to be a Kids R Us across the hall? I can never recall seeing another one of those ever. The Toys R Us store is now a Babies Are Us now, correct?
Quote from: TRJ22487 on October 09, 2010, 08:07:26 AM
What was the address to the old Toy Works in Winsted Ct?
I believe it closed in 1997 before the KB merger and became an auction house
It was far on the outskirts of town, on the side of the main road with no plaza
The building was extremely tiny and very old school, still sold NES when they closed and n64 had just come out
It's a shame a picture of that place as Toy Works will likely never exist.
I was wondering if the building was caught on closeup with the new google maps.
I haven't been to Winsted since 2004 when I captured the Ames down the street while it was still vacant with signs up
Ugh I thinking back what it looked like... it was white with multicolored polka dots on the outside. Inside was cheap looking lots of video games no functioning video game kiosk at all. They had bouncy balls in one area toys in another it was real small I think I bought Sonic 2 there. That's all I remember. :)
The former KB Toys in Plainville, CT is vacant again as Sleepy's moved to the a much smaller spot in the Plainville Commons next to Marshall's. They went from a 11,000+ sq ft store to one that was just over 6,500 Sq Ft. This leaves Famous Footwear as the only store in that building of the Plainville Commons. To the left is an empty 35,000 Sq Ft Former Linen's & Things and to the right is the former KB (now former Sleepy's).
Quote from: Marc B on January 10, 2013, 04:22:57 PM
The former KB Toys in Plainville, CT is vacant again as Sleepy's moved to the a much smaller spot in the Plainville Commons next to Marshall's. They went from a 11,000+ sq ft store to one that was just over 6,500 Sq Ft. This leaves Famous Footwear as the only store in that building of the Plainville Commons. To the left is an empty 35,000 Sq Ft Former Linen's & Things and to the right is the former KB (now former Sleepy's).
Rent probaly was cheaper at the new location and hasnt that spot been empty since they built that Plaza, oh wait..forgot use to be a furniture store.
On the other hand, Sleepys has three locations on the Pike lol
Quote from: TRU7536 on January 10, 2013, 06:16:39 PM
Quote from: Marc B on January 10, 2013, 04:22:57 PM
The former KB Toys in Plainville, CT is vacant again as Sleepy's moved to the a much smaller spot in the Plainville Commons next to Marshall's. They went from a 11,000+ sq ft store to one that was just over 6,500 Sq Ft. This leaves Famous Footwear as the only store in that building of the Plainville Commons. To the left is an empty 35,000 Sq Ft Former Linen's & Things and to the right is the former KB (now former Sleepy's).
Rent probaly was cheaper at the new location and hasnt that spot been empty since they built that Plaza, oh wait..forgot use to be a furniture store.
On the other hand, Sleepys has three locations on the Pike lol
I know they bought the Better Bedding locations, but it is ridiculous how close two of the three Sleepy's locations are on the Turnpike. Not even a third of a mile from each other. Actually a few buildings. One is across from Aldi, and one is across from the Stop and Shop plaza.
The former KB at the Meriden Square is now Parade of Sports Novelties. Don't shop there.
Part of the former KB Toys in the Shoprite Plaza is becoming a Fro-Yo World Frozen Yogurt lounge.
P.S. Here in Connecticut there have been frozen yogurt places popping up all over the place. Is this happening elsewhere? I remember frozen yogurt being popular 15 or 20 years ago and then the fad died down. Now it seems to be making a comeback.
Quote from: Marc B on March 04, 2013, 08:58:04 PM
P.S. Here in Connecticut there have been frozen yogurt places popping up all over the place. Is this happening elsewhere? I remember frozen yogurt being popular 15 or 20 years ago and then the fad died down. Now it seems to be making a comeback.
TCBY has been around since the early 80's, there are hundreds of them. If anything there probably used to be a lot more.
I picture a lot of hipsters eating it that are under the impression it is healthy for you.
It's a fad again, it's not like TCBY, this is "real" yogurt so it's got that sour yogurt flavor, it's because of the popularity of things like Pink Berry. In my area we've literally had 10 Frozen Yogurt places open in the last year all within a five mile radius. That's on top of the 12 or so mom and pop homemade (and very good) ice cream places we currently have.
Quote from: AmesNewington on January 11, 2013, 09:05:59 AM
Quote from: TRU7536 on January 10, 2013, 06:16:39 PM
Quote from: Marc B on January 10, 2013, 04:22:57 PM
The former KB Toys in Plainville, CT is vacant again as Sleepy's moved to the a much smaller spot in the Plainville Commons next to Marshall's. They went from a 11,000+ sq ft store to one that was just over 6,500 Sq Ft. This leaves Famous Footwear as the only store in that building of the Plainville Commons. To the left is an empty 35,000 Sq Ft Former Linen's & Things and to the right is the former KB (now former Sleepy's).
Rent probaly was cheaper at the new location and hasnt that spot been empty since they built that Plaza, oh wait..forgot use to be a furniture store.
On the other hand, Sleepys has three locations on the Pike lol
I know they bought the Better Bedding locations, but it is ridiculous how close two of the three Sleepy's locations are on the Turnpike. Not even a third of a mile from each other. Actually a few buildings. One is across from Aldi, and one is across from the Stop and Shop plaza.
Sleepy's bought Better Bedding?? :(
Quote from: JimSawhill on March 08, 2013, 02:25:18 PM
Quote from: AmesNewington on January 11, 2013, 09:05:59 AM
Quote from: TRU7536 on January 10, 2013, 06:16:39 PM
Quote from: Marc B on January 10, 2013, 04:22:57 PM
The former KB Toys in Plainville, CT is vacant again as Sleepy's moved to the a much smaller spot in the Plainville Commons next to Marshall's. They went from a 11,000+ sq ft store to one that was just over 6,500 Sq Ft. This leaves Famous Footwear as the only store in that building of the Plainville Commons. To the left is an empty 35,000 Sq Ft Former Linen's & Things and to the right is the former KB (now former Sleepy's).
Rent probaly was cheaper at the new location and hasnt that spot been empty since they built that Plaza, oh wait..forgot use to be a furniture store.
On the other hand, Sleepys has three locations on the Pike lol
I know they bought the Better Bedding locations, but it is ridiculous how close two of the three Sleepy's locations are on the Turnpike. Not even a third of a mile from each other. Actually a few buildings. One is across from Aldi, and one is across from the Stop and Shop plaza.
Sleepy's bought Better Bedding?? :(
A couple of years ago when they went bankrupted.
Quote from: Marc B on March 04, 2013, 08:58:04 PM
Part of the former KB Toys in the Shoprite Plaza is becoming a Fro-Yo World Frozen Yogurt lounge.
They're not even taking the entire 9,500 square feet space that was left over from when they divided the space the first time when they built the (now closed) 5,000 square foot Citi Bank in 2006. They built the new wall for the yogurt store today. Next they'll have to put in a door. So the KB has been split into 3 store fronts. A 5,000 square foot vacant space, vacant space I don't know the square footage of yet, and the Yogurt store, which I don't know the square footage of yet.
The Former KB Toys at Lakeland Square was huge and always busy and the funny thing is that Toys R Us was and still is laocated outside the Mall and to this day was always like a ghost town. I don't know but KB always had the cool stuff as did Toys R Us but KB always stayed busy!
Quote from: TRU7536 on March 08, 2013, 03:11:15 PM
Quote from: JimSawhill on March 08, 2013, 02:25:18 PM
Quote from: AmesNewington on January 11, 2013, 09:05:59 AM
Quote from: TRU7536 on January 10, 2013, 06:16:39 PM
Quote from: Marc B on January 10, 2013, 04:22:57 PM
The former KB Toys in Plainville, CT is vacant again as Sleepy's moved to the a much smaller spot in the Plainville Commons next to Marshall's. They went from a 11,000+ sq ft store to one that was just over 6,500 Sq Ft. This leaves Famous Footwear as the only store in that building of the Plainville Commons. To the left is an empty 35,000 Sq Ft Former Linen's & Things and to the right is the former KB (now former Sleepy's).
Rent probaly was cheaper at the new location and hasnt that spot been empty since they built that Plaza, oh wait..forgot use to be a furniture store.
On the other hand, Sleepys has three locations on the Pike lol
I know they bought the Better Bedding locations, but it is ridiculous how close two of the three Sleepy's locations are on the Turnpike. Not even a third of a mile from each other. Actually a few buildings. One is across from Aldi, and one is across from the Stop and Shop plaza.
Sleepy's bought Better Bedding?? :(
A couple of years ago when they went bankrupted.
Wow... So Better Bedding are now Sleepy's... and the Better Bedding Brothers are unemployed!!
Quote from: JimSawhill on April 08, 2013, 02:03:02 PM
Wow... So Better Bedding are now Sleepy's... and the Better Bedding Brothers are unemployed!!
Tom and John Wholley.
Tom opened two new stores called Connecticut Mattress. They're in Avon and South Windsor. His brother John passed away a few years ago.
Quote from: Marc B on April 08, 2013, 03:12:57 PM
Quote from: JimSawhill on April 08, 2013, 02:03:02 PM
Wow... So Better Bedding are now Sleepy's... and the Better Bedding Brothers are unemployed!!
Tom and John Wholley.
Tom opened two new stores called Connecticut Mattress. They're in Avon and South Windsor. His brother John passed away a few years ago.
OMG! i didnt know John passed away! Thats sad
Back to the KB topic at hand. The close-out chain Ocean State Job Lot has a hole bunch of bags from KB Toys.
Quote from: Marc B on April 21, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
Back to the KB topic at hand. The close-out chain Ocean State Job Lot has a hole bunch of bags from KB Toys.
Isn't this chain known for that, like how they use Ames shopping carts.
Quote from: TRU7536 on April 21, 2013, 01:39:12 PM
Quote from: Marc B on April 21, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
Back to the KB topic at hand. The close-out chain Ocean State Job Lot has a whole bunch of bags from KB Toys.
Isn't this chain known for that, like how they use Ames shopping carts.
Yep - even Ames bags once (paper even - not sure where they found them - maybe stashed in an Ames they took over somewhere). Along with any number of other defunct chains, and even some that aren't (maybe just misprints). But it fits their plan (if you're selling close out items, why not use close out bags :)
Quote from: TRU7536 on April 21, 2013, 01:39:12 PM
Quote from: Marc B on April 21, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
Back to the KB topic at hand. The close-out chain Ocean State Job Lot has a hole bunch of bags from KB Toys.
Isn't this chain known for that, like how they use Ames shopping carts.
They must've bought a whole bunch of them considering KB has been gone 4 years.
P.S. Not just AMES carts. Job Lot in Southington has also acquired some of Walmart's carts. When Walmart in Southington remodeled 3 1/2 years ago they got rid of all their large grey plastic shopping carts and replaced them with smaller metal carts with blue plastic handle.
I got Meijer bags a couple of times I shopped at Job Lot.
Quote from: Marc B on April 22, 2013, 06:11:38 AM
Quote from: TRU7536 on April 21, 2013, 01:39:12 PM
Quote from: Marc B on April 21, 2013, 09:21:35 AM
Back to the KB topic at hand. The close-out chain Ocean State Job Lot has a hole bunch of bags from KB Toys.
Isn't this chain known for that, like how they use Ames shopping carts.
They must've bought a whole bunch of them considering KB has been gone 4 years.
P.S. Not just AMES carts. Job Lot in Southington has also acquired some of Walmart's carts. When Walmart in Southington remodeled 3 1/2 years ago they got rid of all their large grey plastic shopping carts and replaced them with smaller metal carts with blue plastic handle.
I hate to sway this topic but everyone else seems to be doing it so I thought I would add. My local big lots has ames shopping carts that they use for the back rooms and stock room and target and walmart shopping carts that they use for the customers, and my local ollies has bradlees shopping carts. You never know what old retail remnants you will find at those types of stores.
The former KB in Southington, CT has 2 new tenants under construction! Part of it is going to be Fro-Yo World Frozen Yogurt Lounge and the other part is going to be Buffalo Wild Wings!
Plainville and Bristol remain vacant.
The photo below is of the former KB Toys store inside Southland Center in Taylor, MI (in the concourse to the former Mervyn's store) which, after KB folded, became a local gift store named Hodge Podge, which then closed in late spring-early summer 2012, which then became one of Skin Tan Leather's two locations (relocating from the JCPenney concourse due to rue21 moving into their space) (Skin Tan Leather's only other store is at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, MI).
The old KB Toys in Plainville, CT which spent a few years as a Sleepy's (which downsize and move elsewhere in the plaza) is becoming Ulta Beauty.
is it a total loss Kb toys closed? Why did it happen? What went wrong? And, why did ones like Keene close when its the only store of its kind aroind?
They couldn't compete with other toy retailers including Toys R Us and Walmart. Toys R Us bought the rights to the name, for one year opened seasonal KB locations, before they decided to go with the name Toys R Us Express.
Quote from: Marc B on October 25, 2013, 09:23:42 AM
They couldn't compete with other toy retailers including Toys R Us and Walmart. Toys R Us bought the rights to the name, for one year opened seasonal KB locations, before they decided to go with the name Toys R Us Express.
but why did ones like KEene close when theres no other store like it around?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/romleys/2250588833/in/pool-603459@N25/
and of the one in Pittsfield Mass being gone why did it close with the rest of them , I mean it has 50,000 ppl and there are NO TOY STORES THERE, what will the kids do
Quote from: d_fife on December 08, 2013, 03:30:28 PM
and of the one in Pittsfield Mass being gone why did it close with the rest of them , I mean it has 50,000 ppl and there are NO TOY STORES THERE, what will the kids do
Yes, there are SOME TOY STORES THERE, look:
https://www.google.com/#q=TOY+STORES+IN+PITTSFIELD%2C+MASSACHUSETTS (https://www.google.com/#q=TOY+STORES+IN+PITTSFIELD%2C+MASSACHUSETTS)
Quote from: d_fife on October 24, 2013, 10:56:24 PM
is it a total loss Kb toys closed? Why did it happen? What went wrong? And, why did ones like Keene close when its the only store of its kind aroind?
What went wrong?? Mismanagement was the biggest cause. KB could have worked (as would lots of small businesses) if they didn't get greedy. I mean if I opened JS Toys, What I would do is to hire associates who were interested in the kind of toys I would sell. I would do hobbies (model trains and slot cars), learning toys and board games. I wouldn't try to compete with Toy R Us, because I would tell the customers about the products I would sell.
Part of the old KB in Southington, CT is now Buffalo Wild Wings. Another part of it is Fro-Yo World. It's not built out yet, but according to the landlord's website there's a spot along the side of the BWW that is 3700+ Square Feet that makes up the rest of the old KB.
Picture taken by me today 2/11/14.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21191136@N03/12469771603/
We need more "Learning Express" toy stores out in the world. I only know about one but it's nicely small and could fit anywhere. You could call it minimal, but it has a nice selection.
Quote from: Hudsons81 on April 26, 2013, 07:41:51 PMThe photo below is of the former KB Toys store inside Southland Center in Taylor, MI (in the concourse to the former Mervyn's store) which, after KB folded, became a local gift store named Hodge Podge, which then closed in late spring-early summer 2012, which then became one of Skin Tan Leather's two locations (relocating from the JCPenney concourse due to rue21 moving into their space)
That space is now occupied by Torrid, who has been forced to move out of their space directly on the West Court (where they had been since they opened in late 2012 or early 2013) as H&M is taking over their old space.
Some low-res shots from the Eastgate Mall location in Union Township, OH.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7780/17160249329_ac1e9af1fe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/s9oLgK)Former KB Toys, Eastgate Mall (https://flic.kr/p/s9oLgK) by Harvestman Man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124303530@N08/), on Flickr
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7723/17160249179_a7ec88f731_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/s9oLea)Former KB Toys, Eastgate Mall (https://flic.kr/p/s9oLea) by Harvestman Man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124303530@N08/), on Flickr
After closing, the location became another toy store. They didn't bother changing much from when KB closed. For the first couple of years it was only open around the Christmas shopping season, but it later became a full-time mall tenant.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2931/14330134103_b4569c1950_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nQiFBD)Former KB Toys in Eastgate, OH (https://flic.kr/p/nQiFBD) by Harvestman Man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124303530@N08/), on Flickr
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3679/14123474048_480eb620cb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nw3uMf)Former KB Toys, Eastgate Mall (https://flic.kr/p/nw3uMf) by Harvestman Man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124303530@N08/), on Flickr
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3695/14330326163_2398f5c232_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nQjEH2)Former KB Toys, Eastgate Mall (https://flic.kr/p/nQjEH2) by Harvestman Man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/124303530@N08/), on Flickr
Unfortunately, this location and some adjacent stores in the mall were torn up a little over a year ago to provide space for a new Shoe Dept. Encore store.
Go! Toys And Games is part of Calendar Holdings, a company that primarily opens seasonal pop-up calendar, board game, or toy stores. They occasionally have some year-round stores in higher volume malls or premium outlets, but not as many as they used to (there was a longtime one in the Lehigh Valley Mall in PA that closed in early 2008).
December 1996 Mother making decisions at Kay Bee Toys counter
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/siteride/1996_December_Kay_Bee_Toys_zpsovsz1uyj.jpg)
May 1997 Man buying Tamagotchi for daughters at Kay Bee Toys
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/CorporateA/siteride/1997_May_KB_Toys_zps5ank1f4n.jpg)
KB Toys planning comeback after demise of Toys R UsBy Lisa Fickenscher,
New York PostMarch 19, 2018 | 9:48pm | Updated
QuoteThe defunct KB Toys brand is planning a comeback â€" after nearly a decade in mothballs.
Hoping to capitalize on the apparent demise of Toys R Us, the California company that bought the KB brand in 2016 is in talks with pop-up operators to open stores in malls before Black Friday, it said on Monday.
Ellia Kassoff, the chief executive of Strategic Marks, which bought the KB brand from the US Trademark Office after previous owner Toys R Us let it go dormant, said he will open as many stores as possible later this year.
Kassoff is a collector of dead retail brands. His company owns Bamberger’s, I. Magnin, Bullock’s the Hydrox cookie brand and others.
“My original idea for the KB brand was to relaunch it online,†but everything changed when Toys R Us said it would liquidate its 730 stores, Kassoff told The Post.
Strategic Marks is in talks with Go! Retail Group, Spencer Spirit Holdings and Party City to provide the real estate â€" as well as major toy manufacturers, including Mattel, Kassoff said.
“KB Toys’ speciality was selling discontinued and discounted merchandise,†said Chris Byrne, executive director and content director for TTPM, a toy review website. “I could absolutely see this working, especially with all of the merchandise out there that was earmarked for Toys R Us.â€
To be sure, Walmart, Target, Amazon and others are expected to increase their toy offerings, experts say. Toys R Us accounted for about 12 percent of US toy sales last year, according to The NPD Group.
https://nypost.com/2018/03/19/kb-toys-planning-comeback-after-demise-of-toys-r-us/
As we all know, KB is planning a huge comeback after Toys "R" Us' big demise. KB's new owners have big plans for the KB Toys holiday revival.
KB's newest incarnation will have stores in two sizes:
* KB Toys: normal sized KB stores to fill in spaces in shopping malls and strip malls.
* KB Experience: large-format KB Toy stores (about the size of Toys "R" Us). Each store will have birthday party rooms and a cafe in addition to a large selection of toys.
http://comicbook.com/2018/05/12/kb-toys-details-comeback-plan/
With Toys "R" Us dead and gone (for the time being), we want KB Toys more than ever! Only four more months!
As some of us know from the KB Toys Facebook page, Ellia Kassoff has not forgotten about reviving KB Toys. He cancelled the plans to open pop-up stores during the holiday season of 2018 to focus on procuring the funding for a full-scale revival of KB Toys in the second quarter of 2019.
apparently k b toys had some stores inside of some sears stores.
I found a picture proving this:
https://twitter.com/rememberkbtoys/status/1144989924057321472?s=19