[Update 3/12/18: Seems likely now that Toys R Us will actually end up in Chapter 7 bankruptcy in which case – as I understand – even the website will shut down and all gift cards may become worthless, depending what the agreement is. Use up any Toys R Us and Babies R Us gift cards now.]
A surprising report from Wall Street Journal (paywall, read the text here) states that Toys R Us is weighing the option of completely closing all physical retail stores in the USA. Initial reports in January predicted some 182 locations closing down, as the big-box retailer reorganized it’s debit in bankruptcy proceedings. Yet now the idea of closing down all physical US locations is on the table.
Sounds like the online platform won’t be affected by the all this so Toys R Us gift cards should retain decent value. On the other hand, there are some physical-only Toys R Us deals, like buying Gift of College gift cards, which will come to an end should this eventually take place. And of course kids all over won’t be happy to hear the news.
Really amazing to see the mighty can fall as we shift to an internet-centric world. Just goes to show how little to take for granted. Maybe in our lifetime we’ll see other stores like Staples or Best Buy shift to web-only. Who knows what the future of retail holds.
