It’s a concept that maybe is past its expiration date.
Back in the 80s the place was a reward to visit as a kid even if you didn’t get anything. The racks of pristine BMX bikes, the wall of action figure boxes you thought were 80 feet tall, and the “dream toys” behind the big glass case that you just stare at in awe.
Oh well...that’s the way it goes.
Operationally, they are still quite profitable; they just can’t make enough money to pay the debt they are loaded up with. In the event of bankruptcy, the debt holders would take over the company, and either run it or sell it to someone.
You've got that right. I really loved going to see Geoffrey the Giraffe when I was little.
MANY years later, I was a network field service engineer, and one year in early December, I had an emergency service call, because the Toy R Us distribution center outside of KC had a critical network failure, and that was their distribution hub for most of their electronic and video games at the time. I was able to get them back up and running in a couple of hours. Their IT manager told me that I was "Santa's special helper," and I helped save Christmas for many little boys and girls.
While I look back on that and smile, it really makes me sad to see yet another favorite thing from my childhood close its doors. So many stores simply can't compete with the on-line monsters. Like you, when I was little, I loved being treated with a trip to Toys R Us, and for many, many years, I loved strolling through the shelves at the local B. Dalton or WaldenBooks stores, perusing the titles, to see if anything looked interesting. You can't do that online with Amazon.
Mark