Deleted
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May 21, 2024 12:59:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2017 5:37:59 GMT
"Toys ‘R’ Us Inc, the largest U.S. toy store chain, filed for bankruptcy protection late Monday, the latest sign of turmoil in the retail industry that is caught in a viselike grip of online shopping and discount chains. The Chapter 11 filing is among the largest ever by a specialty retailer and casts doubt over the future of its about 1,600 stores and 64,000 employees. It comes just as Toys ‘R’ Us is gearing up for the holiday shopping season, which accounts for the bulk of its sales. “While today’s decision does not necessarily mean it is game over for Toys ‘R’ Us, it brings to a close a turbulent chapter in the iconic company’s history,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. The company is saddled with debt from a $6.6 billion buyout in 2005 led by KKR & Co LP (KKR.N) and Bain Capital LP, together with real estate investment trust Vornado Realty Trust (VNO.N). " www.reuters.com/article/us-toys-r-us-bankruptcy-toymakers/toys-r-us-files-for-bankruptcy-ahead-of-holiday-season-idUSKCN1BT2AV?il=0
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Post by gailoh on Sept 19, 2017 10:54:59 GMT
It is sad isn't it so many companies going under...
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YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,418
Jun 26, 2014 3:11:50 GMT
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Post by YooHoot on Sept 19, 2017 11:07:25 GMT
Toy R Us was ridiculously expensive when my kids were little. I'm surprised they were actually hanging on with Amazon and Walmart beating their prices every day.
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,843
Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
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Post by peppermintpatty on Sept 19, 2017 11:14:30 GMT
Toy R Us was ridiculously expensive when my kids were little. I'm surprised they were actually hanging on with Amazon and Walmart beating their prices every day. I never really thought they were that expensive. I would rather go there than Walmart any day! Walmart wouldn't always have what I was looking for and the people there are exhausting.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,620
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Sept 19, 2017 11:14:46 GMT
They don't offer anything Amazon and Walmart and Target don't. Their stores and overhead are huge and there's always only one register open at my TRU and I have to wait 20 minutes to check out. It's not worth my time.
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Sept 19, 2017 11:23:54 GMT
I'm honestly surprised they've hung on this long. The two stores around here always dead. Sure they have a far bigger selection than WM/Target/Meijer but their prices are always higher.
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Post by Rainy_Day_Woman on Sept 19, 2017 11:46:13 GMT
I am not a fan of Toys R Us. Ours can be really overpriced, and it's hard to stand in the store (with awful service) and buy a $40 toy when there are 5 other retailers that can ship it to me for $20. I prefer Mastermind or Lego Store when I need a brick and mortar store.
I think our Babies R Us is still pretty popular though. Most people register there anyhow.
The news here was reporting our Canadian stores have gone COD with suppliers, a tidbit that is not going to do the store any favours come holiday shopping season, sadly.
I don't think we really shopped there growing up- I don't have any memories of it anyhow. I only my remember the commercial jingle. We used to make up gruesome parodies of it when we were kids.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,394
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Sept 19, 2017 11:59:58 GMT
The UK subsidiary is unaffected. So far.
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Post by Tammiem2pnc1 on Sept 19, 2017 12:14:33 GMT
Our Walmart carries very little in their toy section and Target is really hit or miss. We generally head to Toys R Us if we are shopping for new toys. Their layaway is huge for me this time of year too.
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Post by mom on Sept 19, 2017 13:00:35 GMT
We have never been a fan of Toys R Us. Our local store is just dirty and not stocked well. Usually there will be one register open and its just not a pleasant experience.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,534
Oct 11, 2014 3:17:29 GMT
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Post by bethany102399 on Sept 19, 2017 13:12:02 GMT
the pinnacle for me was when, after a terrible experience, I filed a complaint, got a call from the manager who listened to my story and basically said my cashier was right and you're wrong. I said this is why I don't shop TRU, and he said that's fine with me.
I have an aunt and uncle who repeatedly give my kids gift cards to them for Christmas and I just dread taking the kids shopping. Overpriced merch, rude staff and a very disorganized store.
I'm not surprised.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 21, 2024 12:59:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2017 13:14:32 GMT
We have never been a fan of Toys R Us. Our local store is just dirty and not stocked well. Usually there will be one register open and its just not a pleasant experience. Same. They have these giant "superstores" and then staff too few people to make them feel welcoming or inviting. If I have to walk for 10 mins. to find someone to help, it's really not that "super". It's just kind of funny to me that Toys R Us put so many local neighborhood toy stores out of business, only to be struggling now themselves due to an even bigger "store" of Amazon. They think it's great for consumers when they do it ( claiming "more merchandise, more selection, lower prices", etc.), but not so great when it's done to them (Amazon).
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
Aug 28, 2015 22:31:17 GMT
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Post by AmandaA on Sept 19, 2017 13:27:54 GMT
I am not a fan of Toys R Us. Ours can be really overpriced, and it's hard to stand in the store (with awful service) and buy a $40 toy when there are 5 other retailers that can ship it to me for $20. I prefer Mastermind or Lego Store when I need a brick and mortar store. I think our Babies R Us is still pretty popular though. Most people register there anyhow. The news here was reporting our Canadian stores have gone COD with suppliers, a tidbit that is not going to do the store any favours come holiday shopping season, sadly. I don't think we really shopped there growing up- I don't have any memories of it anyhow. I only my remember the commercial jingle. We used to make up gruesome parodies of it when we were kids. Around here BRU has taken a beating from buy buy Baby (bed bath & beyond's version) not to mention the big box stores and of course Amazon. In our metro area they are also in areas that are starting to get run down and rough... aka a 13 year old shot outside of a restaurant down the street this week.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,920
Location: PNW
Jul 20, 2014 21:57:23 GMT
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Post by breetheflea on Sept 19, 2017 13:31:24 GMT
Their sales and "doorbusters" are confusing and annoying. "Oh this flier in the aisle next to the toy I want says it's on sale". No, it was on sale two hours ago (which you won't find out until you get overcharged), excludes everything except the largest thing in there, and is only 15% off if you buy two, which is not really a deal! Just an example...
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Post by Anna*Banana on Sept 19, 2017 13:38:23 GMT
Sadly, I just don't think they kept up and modernized to how people are shopping now. I didn't find their prices so terribly awful, I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount more for convenience or service, but they just didn't have a very good way to check stock or order online or any of the more modern and efficient methods for shoppers. I'm sure this store's Chapter 11 will be mentioned in business classes for a number of years.
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Post by Bitchy Rich on Sept 19, 2017 13:39:15 GMT
We don't have any locally, but I have been in one further away. Aisles crammed together, seemed disorganized, and prices were higher than Walmart/Target. I think Meijer, Walmart, and Target all have good toy/game departments.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 19, 2017 13:52:30 GMT
The one by me is clean and the employees (what there are of them) are friendly and helpful if you can find one. But I'll agree that everything in there is easily 20-30% more expensive than pretty much anywhere else. I expect that (and will pay it) if I'm shopping at an independent retailer, but a big box chain? Not so much. Their sales bring the cost down to about what all the other stores charge on any average day.
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gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
Jun 26, 2014 12:35:32 GMT
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Post by gloryjoy on Sept 19, 2017 13:52:58 GMT
They just opened a huge, brand new beautiful interactive store in the suburbs of Vancouver, I'd be surprised if it closed.
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Post by myshelly on Sept 19, 2017 13:56:26 GMT
I LOVE toys and buy them frequently. TRU is consistently the most expensive price on any given item.
In an area where we have easy access to multiple Targets and WMs, not to mention anazon, that's not a good business plan.
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Post by mom on Sept 19, 2017 14:00:27 GMT
the pinnacle for me was when, after a terrible experience, I filed a complaint, got a call from the manager who listened to my story and basically said my cashier was right and you're wrong. I said this is why I don't shop TRU, and he said that's fine with me.
I have an aunt and uncle who repeatedly give my kids gift cards to them for Christmas and I just dread taking the kids shopping. Overpriced merch, rude staff and a very disorganized store. I'm not surprised. Well, I wasn't going to post this but since you shared your 'awesome' customer service experience I will tell you my experience. 13 years ago when I was pregnant with our daughter, I registered for my baby shower at TRU & signed up for Geoffreys Birthday Club when my daughter was born. All was good - I got a card when she was born, coupons in the mail, etc. Then she passed away at 6 months and I called to get off their mailing list. No problem they told me, they would remove my name. 6 months later on her birthday? We got a phone call from Geoffrey wishing our (now deceased) daughter happy birthday. Awesome. I call again, asking to be removed from their list. EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR for the first 10 years we got a call. And I would call and demand to be removed from their list. And year after year they would tell us we weren't on their list. And then we would get another call. They finally quit calling after 10 years. Im guessing our daughter 'aged out' of their birthday club. SaveSave
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,003
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Sept 19, 2017 14:19:55 GMT
I'm sad about it. There has always been a Toys R Us. "The worlds biggest toy store is Toys R Us, the biggest selection, Toys R Us!".
There has always been a toy store to go to. To buy kid birthday gifts and go Christmas shopping. I love toys. I love being in toy stores.
At my TRU I have the same issues with overpriced toys, low stock levels, can never find anyone to help me. But still I go. I can think of several really long term employees there, this must be devastating for them.
There are no more toy stores. This makes me sad. FA Schwartz, KayBee. TRU hung in the longest.
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Post by sunnyd on Sept 19, 2017 14:39:06 GMT
I was never a fan but still sad that a retailer is struggling. I know online stores are a major cause but do you think kids just play with fewer toys these days? I see toddlers on tablets and phones playing games.
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Post by Just Beth on Sept 19, 2017 14:40:42 GMT
the pinnacle for me was when, after a terrible experience, I filed a complaint, got a call from the manager who listened to my story and basically said my cashier was right and you're wrong. I said this is why I don't shop TRU, and he said that's fine with me. I have an aunt and uncle who repeatedly give my kids gift cards to them for Christmas and I just dread taking the kids shopping. Overpriced merch, rude staff and a very disorganized store. I'm not surprised. Our TRU is in the next town over and it's meh. We usually buy the kids TRU gift cards from them so they have cash and can use it anywhere.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,534
Oct 11, 2014 3:17:29 GMT
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Post by bethany102399 on Sept 19, 2017 14:54:01 GMT
months later on her birthday? We got a phone call from Geoffrey wishing our (now deceased) daughter happy birthday. Awesome. I call again, asking to be removed from their list. EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR for the first 10 years we got a call Holy hell that's horrid. I'm so sorry, both for your loss and for the a$$hats that refused to remove your name from their list. Bad service is one thing but this is beyond awful.
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Post by cade387 on Sept 19, 2017 14:58:04 GMT
I'm very sad about this.
TRU is the last real toy store that I can take my kids to where they have a good selection. Nowhere near here has the Lego choices, train options, etc. The Target items are much less and same price. At least I earn rewards at TRU.
BRU is also sad, as everyone I know registers there and they have everything. They are much cheaper than Buy Buy Baby and better organized. The baby aisles at Meijer and Target are pretty much always more expensive for formula and diapers and TRU had good coupons on diapers. I'm glad my kids are moving out of that phase so I won't "miss" it as much.
Having kids shop only online for toys takes the fun out of shopping for kids and parents. I don't buy toys online.
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Post by myshelly on Sept 19, 2017 15:00:56 GMT
I'm very sad about this. TRU is the last real toy store that I can take my kids to where they have a good selection. Nowhere near here has the Lego choices, train options, etc. The Target items are much less and same price. At least I earn rewards at TRU. BRU is also sad, as everyone I know registers there and they have everything. They are much cheaper than Buy Buy Baby and better organized. The baby aisles at Meijer and Target are pretty much always more expensive for formula and diapers and TRU had good coupons on diapers. I'm glad my kids are moving out of that phase so I won't "miss" it as much. Having kids shop only online for toys takes the fun out of shopping for kids and parents. I don't buy toys online. TRU always has the highest price on Lego. Their sets are consistently 20% more than at the actual Lego store. Plus I get much better rewards and freebies at the Lego store.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,534
Oct 11, 2014 3:17:29 GMT
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Post by bethany102399 on Sept 19, 2017 15:10:32 GMT
I'd second the recommendation on the Lego store. You can earn points there too. If you happen to live in the Atlanta area the one in the Mall of Georgia (I think that's the right one. I believe it's the outlet one) has the best scratch and dent section I've ever seen. When we plan for a visit I try to have a separate lego fund available if we hit it at the right time. My SIL who lives in the area has dropped serious cash in that store when they happened upon a good scratch and dent day.
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cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,375
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
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Post by cycworker on Sept 19, 2017 15:13:01 GMT
I had heard this was coming. They gave my cousiin's dd her first job. I've always liked our TRU. Hope we keep it, somehow.
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Post by cade387 on Sept 19, 2017 15:14:01 GMT
I'm very sad about this. TRU is the last real toy store that I can take my kids to where they have a good selection. Nowhere near here has the Lego choices, train options, etc. The Target items are much less and same price. At least I earn rewards at TRU. BRU is also sad, as everyone I know registers there and they have everything. They are much cheaper than Buy Buy Baby and better organized. The baby aisles at Meijer and Target are pretty much always more expensive for formula and diapers and TRU had good coupons on diapers. I'm glad my kids are moving out of that phase so I won't "miss" it as much. Having kids shop only online for toys takes the fun out of shopping for kids and parents. I don't buy toys online. TRU always has the highest price on Lego. Their sets are consistently 20% more than at the actual Lego store. Plus I get much better rewards and freebies at the Lego store. Our closest lego store is over 2 hours away. Again, I don't want to shop online with my sons. My TRU has sales on Lego sets that often make it less than my sister's Lego discount (that she just lost). It isn't the end of the world and definitely a 1st world problem, but 4 hours in the car with a 3yo and 6yo isn't worth it for toys.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 21, 2024 12:59:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2017 15:17:47 GMT
the pinnacle for me was when, after a terrible experience, I filed a complaint, got a call from the manager who listened to my story and basically said my cashier was right and you're wrong. I said this is why I don't shop TRU, and he said that's fine with me.
I have an aunt and uncle who repeatedly give my kids gift cards to them for Christmas and I just dread taking the kids shopping. Overpriced merch, rude staff and a very disorganized store. I'm not surprised. Well, I wasn't going to post this but since you shared your 'awesome' customer service experience I will tell you my experience. 13 years ago when I was pregnant with our daughter, I registered for my baby shower at TRU & signed up for Geoffreys Birthday Club when my daughter was born. All was good - I got a card when she was born, coupons in the mail, etc. Then she passed away at 6 months and I called to get off their mailing list. No problem they told me, they would remove my name. 6 months later on her birthday? We got a phone call from Geoffrey wishing our (now deceased) daughter happy birthday. Awesome. I call again, asking to be removed from their list. EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR for the first 10 years we got a call. And I would call and demand to be removed from their list. And year after year they would tell us we weren't on their list. And then we would get another call. They finally quit calling after 10 years. Im guessing our daughter 'aged out' of their birthday club. SaveSaveThat is horrible. They should be beyond ashamed to have caused this pain to your family for YEARS! I hate that they have such shitty systems that allow our private data to be easily harvested but not modified/deleted when we ask them.
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