The way people buy video games and toys has dramatically changed over the decades, as mega toy retailer Toys R Us knows well. In sad news for Toys R Us kids, the chain has announced to its employees that all US stores will be closing soon.
There's no exact date for the shutdown, but it's unlikely for Toys R Us to change its mind at this point. The company has been struggling financially for years, closing over 200 Toys R Us stores in the US just in February. The chain hasn't turned a full-year profit since 2012, edged out by big-box chains like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, as well as online mega retailer Amazon.
Toys R Us hasn't had an easier time when it comes to video games, either. More gamers have turned to eShops and distribution services like Steam and Origin to get their games easily over the internet. The gamers who still purchase physical copies in-person likely do so at big-box retailers or some of the few remaining video game stores like GameStop, which left little business for Toys R Us from game players. The retailer did see some booming business in the form of SNES Classic and Switch sales, but with the limited supply provided by Nintendo, it probably didn't make much of an overall impact for the company.
International customers who have fond memories of the chain won't be left unscathed, either. Toys R Us is shutting down hundreds of stores worldwide, and will be shuttering all of its stores in the UK, as well, putting an end to 3,000 jobs. For now, Canadian stores will remain open, but there's no telling if that can last. However, Toys R Us's prior bankruptcy filing may be able to keep the Canadian stores afloat.
With up to 33,000 US workers out of a job with the closures, Toys R Us customers and workers are sure to be shaken by this news. Fans of the chain who want to make one last stop by the store before it closes forever should consider doing so soon. Stores in UK will begin closing on Thursday, and the stores in the United States are likely not far behind them.
Source: Wall Street Journal