Toys R Us stores are officially closing this week

Toys R Us Going Out Of Business
Flickr | Phillip Pessar

It’s officially the end of an era.

After more than 60 years in business, Toys R Us will shutter its doors as the company closes all of its U.S. stores by the end of the week.

Toys R Us had struggled to turn a profit for years, and had been burdened by billions of dollars in debt since a leveraged buyout in 2005. The iconic retailer couldn’t catch up to its big-box competitors, such as Walmart and Target, nor was it able to withstand the blow to business that the rise of Amazon imposed.

toys r us closing photo
Flickr | Phillip Pessar

In September, Toys R Us filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Six months later, the beloved toy chain filed for liquidation. By Friday, June 29, more than 700 Toys R Us and Babies R Us locations across the country will close as a result of the liquidation process, leaving about 33,000 employees out of work.

Fans of the chain are not letting it close quietly.

Using the hashtag, “#iDontWantToGrowUp” — a callback to Toys R Us’ classic jingle — devotees have taken to social media to share their favorite memories of the toy retailer that had come to define their childhood.

One Twitter user, @Z_RoCool, lamented about the bittersweet experience of taking their kids to Toys R Us for “one last walkthrough.”

https://twitter.com/Z_RoCool/status/1011575090176196608

Another Twitter user, @ShanaDeRae, posted photos of what will be her family’s last trip to the cherished toy store, adding, “So long partner.”

https://twitter.com/ShanaDelRae/status/1011502604528934913

In its heyday, Toys R Us was the place to go if you wanted the latest action figure, video game or new Huffy bike. Even during its slow demise, millions of families would still shop at the believed retailer. And although the company will close its doors forever, Toys R Us will always have a place in their hearts.

Were you a Toys R Us kid back in the day? Be sure to share your memories using the hashtag, “#iDontWantToGrowUp.”

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About the Author
Annamarya Scaccia
Annamarya Scaccia is an award-winning freelance journalist who reports on public health, lifestyle, parenting and politics. Like any native New Yorker, Annamarya drinks too much coffee and has strong opinions about the Yankees.

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