The Toys “R” Us store in Whitby is expected to close this month. Photos Glenn Hendry
A retail staple in Whitby is likely reaching its end this month, marking over 40 years since the Toys “R” Us store opened on Thickson Road, right in the middle of the town’s shopping area.
Signs announcing ‘everything must go’ and discounts ranging from 25 percent to 90 percent are all over the storefront and inside the shop, where shoppers face mostly bare shelves as they look for deals on toys, stuffed animals, DVDs, and more.
There were rumors circulating on social media about an early September closure for this location, but a call to the store confirmed that it will probably shut down later this month.
A representative mentioned there isn’t an official closing date yet, but September seems unlikely as “there isn’t a lot of stuff left.”
Once the inventory runs out, the store will close its doors-a decision that many find both inevitable and sad. Shopper Sean Daniel expressed his feelings during a weekend visit with his young daughter.
“My daughter asked me where she was going to get her Christmas shopping and I had to explain to her that most people are doing online shopping these days,” Daniel said. “it’s the way people shop now.”
“It’s a shame.”
This year, Toys “R” Us Canada filed for creditor protection due to around $160 million in unpaid debts.
The case was taken up by Ontario’s Superior Court. The restructuring process led to three successful bids that resulted in different purchasers acquiring ownership of certain assets related to Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us brands along with some store leases.
In one transaction, U. S.-based Ad Populum-designers and distributors of consumer products-will acquire the retailer’s intellectual property portfolio including both brand names and digital assets starting January.
A second deal involves Fox Group Jumbo Canada taking over the lease for the Toys “R” Us outlet at Vaughan Mills, which spans 48,000 sq. ft. and stands as one of the chain’s top-performing stores.
The third deal includes a numbered company run by entrepreneur Doug Putman acquiring operating assets like inventory, cash flow contracts along with ten store leases.
Several creditors voiced their concerns during this process but there’s no guarantee they’ll recover any funds.
The future after January 2027 lies with new owners; there’s still hope that shoppers might discover bargains during this holiday season in select markets.
Aside from Whitby and Vaughan Mills locations still open include Etobicoke, Hamilton, and Sarnia Toys “R” Us stores.
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