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A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us

Transformers News: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us

Sunday, October 29th, 2017 3:33AM CDT

Categories: Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Va'al   Views: 29,440

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We have received communication from Dave Brandon, the CEO of Toys'R'Us, given all the news about their Chapter 11 process and its repercussions on Hasbro and toy sales in general for this year, speaking on how the stores will be dealing with it all, and how they plan on assuaging some fears of the general public. You can read the whole message below, and join the conversation in the Energon Pub.

Dear Valued Customer,

As you may know, in September we announced that we were beginning a formal process – known as Chapter 11 – designed to strengthen our financial position and allow us to reinvest in our business. This was a proactive and voluntary move that gives us the opportunity to reset and do the things necessary to continue to earn your business now and well into the future.

I’m writing today because I want to assure you that you can continue to shop with us with confidence, in store or online. Your local Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores are open and our team members are standing by ready to help. You should also know that we are continuing to honor our various customer programs including Registry, Endless Earnings, Geoffrey's Birthday Club, gift cards and warranties.

With the holidays just around the corner, we have a number of exciting things in store for you:

Price Match Promise¹ – If you find a toy or baby product at a lower price at one of our competitors, Toys"R"Us will match the price. Not only will we match competitor’s prices in store, we’ll donate an additional $1 to Toys for Tots every time you price match now thru 12/24, up to $1 million.

Parents Night Out² – As a parent, I found it was always tough to find time to shop when the kids weren’t looking, so this year Toys"R"Us is hosting special events on Sunday, November 12 and Thursday, November 30 from 8-10pm local time. During these very special events, customers will have access to a shopping expert, hot toy demonstrations, games and treats (think hot chocolate bar, raffles and more) plus a sweepstakes where Rewards"R"Us members have a chance to win a trip for 4 to New York City.

Layaway and Then Some³ – We will once again offer free layaway services this holiday season, waiving the usual fee. Plus, every single day from Sunday, November 5, through Saturday, December 9, Toys"R"Us will select one layaway customer who will receive a $200 TRU gift card to put towards their layaway.

Play Lab – I have seven grandkids who would love nothing more than to visit one of our stores to test drive the newest toys. On Sunday, November 1, forty-two Toys"R"Us locations across the country will open designated play spaces in their stores. Shopping list meets play time.

Play Chaser™ – Our new augmented reality gaming app is turning our toy stores into an interactive playground. It’s also connected to our much-awaited holiday catalog, The Ultimate Guide to Play. Kids can now build their favorites list using the app.


These are just a few of the exciting changes I’m most excited for this holiday. No matter how you choose to shop with us, know that you can continue to count on us for an outstanding experience. We have been in the business of bringing joy to kids for nearly seven decades, and we welcome the opportunity to serve you this holiday season and long into the future.


Sincerely,

Transformers News: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us
Credit(s): TRU

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Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1918819)
Posted by Stuartmaximus on October 29th, 2017 @ 6:57am CDT
apart from their bloody prices! :-x
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1918857)
Posted by hurricane567 on October 29th, 2017 @ 12:06pm CDT
Yes, there's a huuuuge profit margin on those Bumblebee headphones, but only if someone buys them! The profit margin on an actual Bumblebee Transformer might be a lot less, but the odds of it getting sold are much better.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1918875)
Posted by cloudballoon on October 29th, 2017 @ 2:38pm CDT
Here in Canada, I don't get how we can complain much about TRU's TF toy prices. Their main line TF prices are only a few cents higher than Walmart's. Like $19.99 vs. $19.97 for a TR DLX. They have similar prices for Legend, Deluxe and Voyager except Leader - TRU is $5 more expensive than WM.

But TRU runs far more sales on TF toys than Walmart & price-match. I'd say 75% of my TFs were purchased at sale prices (through sales of the week or rain checks from previous sales) at TRU.

TRU exchange policy is also better. I can exchange any figure from the same line to a different one with minimum hassle. This is not possible at Walmart.

Only thing I can complain are the shelf-warmers, but that's not *my problem* per se, as I can get TF figures I want 90% of the time at TRU... eventually. I'm just concern the losses incurred on TRU's finances about those shelf-warmers.

If we all want TRU to get through this tough time, we should find out how TRU can help themselves by improving their purchasing analysis. We (collectors & parents) can only buy so much BBB, OP & repaints before we collectively say "enough, don't need another similar BBB/OP"? Hasbro can also help out too.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1918883)
Posted by dragons on October 29th, 2017 @ 4:42pm CDT
Stuartmaximus wrote:apart from their bloody prices! :-x


That is no different then buying toy from bigbadtoystore tfsource, robot kingdom , amazon and eBay ToysRus prices are cheap compare to online stores online store you pay for shipping and handling and tax and if you want free shipping at certain online stores you need spend certain amount plus Walmart is cheaper but there selection sucks take your pick.,

Pay double for deluxe figure at online store with shipping and handling plus tax, or go to Walmart with cheaper prices and toy your theme your looking for only takes two shelf space racks on one big aisle I look at walmart transformers section and others Toysrus selection for those have bigger selection same with target compared to walmart
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1918904)
Posted by shajaki on October 29th, 2017 @ 7:24pm CDT
Seems to me that this is the statement they should have made in the first 24 hours of the Chapter 11 filing... >:oP
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1919014)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 30th, 2017 @ 12:53pm CDT
cloudballoon wrote:Here in Canada, I don't get how we can complain much about TRU's TF toy prices. Their main line TF prices are only a few cents higher than Walmart's. Like $19.99 vs. $19.97 for a TR DLX. They have similar prices for Legend, Deluxe and Voyager except Leader - TRU is $5 more expensive than WM.

But TRU runs far more sales on TF toys than Walmart & price-match. I'd say 75% of my TFs were purchased at sale prices (through sales of the week or rain checks from previous sales) at TRU.

TRU exchange policy is also better. I can exchange any figure from the same line to a different one with minimum hassle. This is not possible at Walmart.

Only thing I can complain are the shelf-warmers, but that's not *my problem* per se, as I can get TF figures I want 90% of the time at TRU... eventually. I'm just concern the losses incurred on TRU's finances about those shelf-warmers.

If we all want TRU to get through this tough time, we should find out how TRU can help themselves by improving their purchasing analysis. We (collectors & parents) can only buy so much BBB, OP & repaints before we collectively say "enough, don't need another similar BBB/OP"? Hasbro can also help out too.

One thing I've really noticed just with talking to Will is the difference between TRU USA and TRU Canada. To your points here, the price differences are huge in some cases. back in combiner wars, they were selling deluxes for $24.99 while every other store (Walmart, Target) were selling them for $14.99. and even now, their deluxes range from $16.99 to $21.99, while Target and Walmart are the same. TLK is a bit more at Target and Walmart, but they're only a buck or 2 higher per size class. So the TRU USA Price difference is fairly significant.

Our TRU's do not do many sales either. If a figure goes on sale, it is almost always a simplified figure, not part of the main line. And if it is part of the main line, it's very expensive and not selling (Cybertron).

Exchange and price matching at TRU USA are BS too. You must have proof of the exact same figure, not size class, same figure to the name and packaging, to price match, and if you have to do that, why even both buying it there when you can buy it where you saw it? (I learned that with the combaticons, they would not price match them).

Honestly, TRU USA is only good for exclusives, that's about it. Prices are much higher, they are usually behind the other stores with stocking (RiD Bisk and Paralon are very popular sights around here still while Walmarts and Targets have Soundwave and Blurr), and their policies are not good either. They need to make some changes if they don't want to go bankrupt. Their USA stores and policies are flawed.

Also, Dragons: TRU USA has prices on par or worse than online, and often times here their selection is not that good, even online. How many times have I seen a figure I want on TRU.com and it says "store only" and can't be bought online. Too many. So shopping at TRU is a lot like BBTS and the such pricewise, but there are better options and more updated product-wise options, so I would rather buy from BBTS than TRU since they are more reliable
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924577)
Posted by Va'al on December 2nd, 2017 @ 5:03am CST
In another addition to the long saga of the Toys'R'Us bankrupcty news, previously reported on back in September, we have some news coming at us from the UK branch of the multinational retailer, courtesy of fellow Seibertronian blackeyedprime.

It appears that, according to the BBC, out of the 106 stores currently open in the UK, at least 25 of them will be closed in the coming months due to issues of rental costs and the model of the stores themselves. You can read more about the issue here, but it seems as though holiday retail at least will not be affected, though several thousand jobs will be cut if no solution is found on time.

Worth noting: this is an entirely different issue than the Chapter 11 filing, and is limited to the UK locations of the retailer.

The closures would form part of a deal to renegotiate debts owed by the company to its landlords - which must be agreed by 75% of its creditors.

The toy giant, which has around 3,000 workers, is looking to move away from its "big-box" out-of-town store model.

Christmas trading and gift cards are not expected to be affected.

The company is seeking approval from its board and US parent company to enter talks with the landlords.


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Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924580)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on December 2nd, 2017 @ 6:36am CST
Yeah I saw bbc page earlier and am really hoping the Cambridge store ain't gonna close cos that's the only one that's even remotely practical for me to get to and even that's an hour and half on a bus away.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924582)
Posted by Evil Eye on December 2nd, 2017 @ 7:00am CST
As if UK distribution wasn't crap enough as is...
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924583)
Posted by frogbat on December 2nd, 2017 @ 7:09am CST
Just like these stores killed the independent retailers of old... the internet has killed this giant too. Not too sympathetic towards the company itself, however I hope not many peeps lose their jobs
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924584)
Posted by Aimless Misfire on December 2nd, 2017 @ 7:13am CST
I was reading this article, they want to pay 32 million to 17 executives: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/12/01/trustee-gives-toys-r-us-executive-bonus-plan-a-lump-of-coal.html

hurricane567 wrote:My local US TRU has a 4 foot wide Transformers section. :-( [orders Misfire from Timmy's Toy Box/Amazon.com]


lol Same here! I got 2 Misfires & 1 Windblade from Timmy's.

Misfire is one of my favorites but I'll probably never see him in a store.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924586)
Posted by Cybertronius Primus on December 2nd, 2017 @ 7:32am CST
Oh no. We will lose so much. Sad. (If you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm).
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924621)
Posted by nemesisorion on December 2nd, 2017 @ 12:22pm CST
Im glad these toy shops are shutting down in the uk no misfire slugslinger windblade twintwist sixshot overlord skyshadow and they call themshelfs toys r us lol ebay is cheaper and better i got misfire slugslinger windblade twintwist sixshot overlord skyshadow on ebay for a total £150 no wonder TRU is bankrupt
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924641)
Posted by Prime Nova on December 2nd, 2017 @ 2:27pm CST
Don't worry we have Smyths Toy Superstore & The Entertainer that do stock toys & aren't empty like tru stores.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924646)
Posted by nemesisorion on December 2nd, 2017 @ 3:02pm CST
DO NOT TRUST SMYTHS TOY STORE FOR Transformers THEY REMOVED skyshadow misfire slugslinger windblade twintwist sixshot overlord dragonstorm nitro zues and voyerger scorn DO NOT TRUST SMYTHS TOY STORE THEY ARE POISON TRUST EBAY
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924652)
Posted by Prime Nova on December 2nd, 2017 @ 3:27pm CST
tru try arresting you if you reuse bags in the UK when you have to reuse bags. I don't buy anything from them. You dont get bags if you go in & shop unless you pay for them
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1924736)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on December 3rd, 2017 @ 1:17am CST
Prime Nova wrote:Don't worry we have Smyths Toy Superstore & The Entertainer that do stock toys & aren't empty like tru stores.


The Entertainer charges £23 for £18 Titans Return figures...And they have done since way before TLK Deluxes were £23 so doesn't seem like an error and I've pointed it out to them but they're like... "huh". Also their stock (at least going by the Cambridge store) of Transformers is far worse than the same town's Toys R Us.

Also unrelated to TFs but still bugs me is that Toys R Us is the retailer even remotely near me that stocks Mega Construx which I love to (and often pose with Transformers) so I really don't want to see them go.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1925652)
Posted by Stuartmaximus on December 7th, 2017 @ 7:08pm CST
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927290)
Posted by Va'al on December 19th, 2017 @ 9:32am CST
We have some more unfortunate news for those following the saga of Toys'R'Us, both in the US and the UK, ever since the first invocation of chapter 11 and the 'bankruptcy' story first broke (as covered here).

As you might remember, the UK branch of the retail chain has been facing some rough times entirely independently of the US branch's bankruptcy filing, and around a quarter of their stores in the country could be facing closure. The latest addition to that story, as reported by major UK national media, informs us that pension funds may also be in trouble. Apparently, whatever the outcome stores will not be closing until the spring, meaning that holiday shopping (and jobs) will be unaffected, but you can read more on this below.

Toys R Us UK is facing potential collapse this week with the loss of 3,200 jobs as it struggles to win the support of the state-backed Pension Protection Fund (PPF) for a planned restructure.

The PPF, the industry-funded, state-backed safety net, demanded that the troubled retailer pump about £9m into the ailing Toys R Us UK pension fund.

This is in order to gain the PPF’s support for the retailer’s planned company voluntary arrangement (CVA) procedure, which involves the closure of at least 26 loss-making stores. That deal would lead to the loss of up to 800 jobs.

[...]

Malcolm Weir, director of restructuring and insolvency at the PPF, said the body had yet to decide how to vote: ‘‘We are seeking to fully understand the current position of the company, including its future potential, position of the US parent and the reported historic financial transactions.

“The pension scheme is already underfunded and, if we were to vote in favour of the CVA, we would need actions taken that ensure the position of the pension scheme was not going to further weaken.

“Whatever the outcome of the CVA, the pension scheme members can be reassured that they remain protected.”
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927291)
Posted by Rodimus Knight on December 19th, 2017 @ 9:47am CST
I have a friend who works for Toys R us, and she mentioned all the things she was told they were going to do during the holiday season to bring in customers and then she noted that they havn'r done any of it.
I wouldn't be surprised if Toys R Us wasn't around next holiday season.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927309)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on December 19th, 2017 @ 11:20am CST
oh well, maybe it's just it's time to go like many a loved store before it. Sad but these things happen I suppose.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927316)
Posted by nemesisorion on December 19th, 2017 @ 1:27pm CST
Its about time toys r us goes away its shit anyway
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927319)
Posted by Deathsaurus1 on December 19th, 2017 @ 1:57pm CST
The only reason i step foot into a toysrus is for the masterpiece line but they never have them instock. Toysrus gets in tf waves faster but at an inflated price.
So really why would i go there when i know walmart and target usually get in the newer waves about 2 weeks later at a cheaper price? And those two stores are alot closer.

Nothing about toysrus is great or gives much incentive to go there.

Even there masterpiece prices are insane.
Mpm-3 bumblebee is $90 at toysrus vs bbts $79.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927341)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on December 19th, 2017 @ 4:29pm CST
Maybe it's different where you live. Toys R Us is the only decent toy store even remotely near me and is the only one that stocks any Mega Construx sets which is my other main collecting apart from Transformers. The only other dedicated toystore close enough is The Entertainer which often has a tiny stock of outdated Transformers often at silly prices (£23 for normally £18 Titans Deluxes for example). I've often got some great deals at the Toys R Us whether intentional (due to a sale) or accidental (like when I got Titans Cosmos for £7.99 instead of £12.99 due those Legends being put on the wrong peg). Don't have Walmart here... we have it's related branch Asda but they're usually pretty lousy at the toy thing and didn't have any TLK figures here apart from Hot Rod and only cos I had to do a click n collect on that (and it was the only TLK figure I could even find available to do that with).
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927354)
Posted by Asepticon on December 19th, 2017 @ 7:01pm CST
It will definitely have an impact on me if TRU goes down. When I think of all the wonderful exclusives that never would have seen the light of day had it not been for Toys R Us, my heart goes out to them. If only they could get distribution under control in places like where I live, I'm sure they would be okay.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927566)
Posted by william-james88 on December 21st, 2017 @ 11:31am CST
We have news from Bloomberg of Toysrus potentially closing 100 stores in the United States. This comes from "people with knowledge of the situation" and it is simply them considering it at this point. No decision has been made about whether stores will close or not or even the potential number, which may even go up to 200 according to other insiders. For those curious, Toysrus currently has 879 stores in the US which means that they would be potentially closing between %10-%20 of their stores. The strategy of closing stores with less traffic seems to be the main strategy of most department stores at the moment.

Bloomberg states that the holiday shopping season has not yielded the numbers Toysrus was hoping for, though with the season not being over and the numbers for this quarter not released yet, we do not have a clear view at what numbers they are actually referring to.

Toys “R” Us Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in September, is considering closing at least 100 U.S. stores in the face of weak holiday sales, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

U.S. sales have declined about 15 percent this Christmas-shopping season from a year earlier, according to people recently briefed on the matter, who asked not to be identified because the information isn’t public. The number of closed stores could reach approximately 200, one of the people said, but no decision has been made.


Toysrus themselves have commented by simply stating that any real number for stores closing is pure speculation at the moment and probably inaccurate:

“Final decisions about our real estate portfolio will be done only after careful consideration about the best interests of our business,” said spokeswoman Amy von Walter. “Any speculation on that figure is premature and likely to be inaccurate.”



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Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927572)
Posted by nemesisorion on December 21st, 2017 @ 11:47am CST
Bye bye shits r us :KREMZEEK: :-D :x
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927576)
Posted by That_Guy on December 21st, 2017 @ 11:58am CST
That stinks, my 3 year old and I go to either one in Clearwater or Citrus Park. Granted Citrus Park is way better than Clearwater, but he loves the lego tables and the new play areas. Last weekend I could not get him away because they set up the Cars track one.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927579)
Posted by o.supreme on December 21st, 2017 @ 12:04pm CST
I have a ton of fond childhood memories of TRU, but most of those are in the Bay Area. I have 4 stores I can drive to within a 25 mile radius. If one or even two of them closed, It would not effect me that much, I'd feel sorry for the many people losing jobs, except for the few who gave me horrible customer service on occasion.

I just hope the couple stores I have a lot of sentimental attachment to stay open. They are in the heart of densely populated areas. especially THIS ONE, though it is over 120 miles from where I am currently, I have some history with it...

https://backpackerverse.com/haunted-toysrus/
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927582)
Posted by dragons on December 21st, 2017 @ 1:02pm CST
nemesisorion wrote:Bye bye shits r us :KREMZEEK: :-D :x


Would you prefer shopping at walmart they don't sell master piece figures and there selection sucks no matter what prices are on all figures
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927583)
Posted by dragons on December 21st, 2017 @ 1:03pm CST
nemesisorion wrote:Bye bye shits r us :KREMZEEK: :-D :x


Would you prefer shopping at walmart they don't sell master piece figures and there selection sucks no matter what prices are on all figures
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927590)
Posted by gothsaurus on December 21st, 2017 @ 1:51pm CST
yeah, this is sad news for kids and collectors. While it's always a little more pricy, I have found figures there that I haven't found anywhere else. Would be sad to not have the option.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927607)
Posted by Kyleor on December 21st, 2017 @ 4:17pm CST
I'm always amazed when companies work their way to be a big/major name in their category/field, then somehow manage to self destruct, usually with a 'we're too big to fail' type attitude from the upper management.

But this is also the same company who thinks it's OK to regularly not have anyone at any register or anywhere else in the front of the store.

Fingers crossed the restructuring includes replacing upper management with better decision makers.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927625)
Posted by fenrir72 on December 21st, 2017 @ 6:37pm CST
This is so sad! Really! The repercussions for the toy market remains to be seen! Sure we all(ok, some) get 99% of our plastic crack online but just how big are we in the totality of the toy buying market? Hopefully this doesn't affect the toy manufacturers who need a place to sell their wares.

Also, major bummer for the TRU employees.......
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927626)
Posted by fenrir72 on December 21st, 2017 @ 6:38pm CST
Kyleor wrote:I'm always amazed when companies work their way to be a big/major name in their category/field, then somehow manage to self destruct, usually with a 'we're too big to fail' type attitude from the upper management.

But this is also the same company who thinks it's OK to regularly not have anyone at any register or anywhere else in the front of the store.

Fingers crossed the restructuring includes replacing upper management with better decision makers.


It's called cost cutting.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927657)
Posted by Editor on December 22nd, 2017 @ 1:22am CST
It's going to end up being closing a bunch of locations in areas where a few stores are too close to each other, and stand alone babiesRus shops that will get merged into the TRU locations. It's crap for the employees, and for some communities that could lose their stores but honestly what did we expect when they filed for bankruptcy protection.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1927763)
Posted by Ultra Markus on December 22nd, 2017 @ 9:17pm CST
Editor wrote:It's going to end up being closing a bunch of locations in areas where a few stores are too close to each other, and stand alone babiesRus shops that will get merged into the TRU locations. It's crap for the employees, and for some communities that could lose their stores but honestly what did we expect when they filed for bankruptcy protection.

lets just hope that we dont see them go down like KB toys
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933411)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on January 24th, 2018 @ 8:57am CST
It's official guys: Toys 'R Us has opted to close up to 182 locations across the US. Here's a quick link:

Full list of stores to close, sorted by state

And man! My local one is targeted! That means I'll have to go another town over for any TRU exclusives! :-(
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933425)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 24th, 2018 @ 10:18am CST
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:It's official guys: Toys 'R Us has opted to close up to 182 locations across the US. Here's a quick link:

Full list of stores to close, sorted by state

And man! My local one is targeted! That means I'll have to go another town over for any TRU exclusives! :-(

We are working on newsing this now.

But as I speak, I'm actually very surprised to see my local TRU is not on the list... interesting considering the size
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933439)
Posted by william-james88 on January 24th, 2018 @ 10:41am CST
We previously had news stating that a potential 200 Toysrus stores may close due to their financial restructuring. The official number has now been revealed to be closer to 180 US stores. News comes to us from several news outlets including CNBC and CNN. The full list can be seen at the end of this article. Regarding these store closings, this is what the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Brandon said in the memo posted on their website.

"The reinvention of our brands requires that we make tough decisions about our priorities and focus. The actions we are taking are necessary to give us the best chance to emerge from our bankruptcy proceedings as a more viable and competitive company."

As you may recall, Toysrus Canada had also filed for bankruptcy protection independently from its American parent. Those stores, which were later revealed to be very profitable and a crucial asset to Toysrus, will remain open. The president of Toysrus Canada, Melanie Teed-Murch, said that their Canadian operations "will be taking additional steps to improve the overall customer omnichannel experience with compelling promotions, continued improvements to mobile and digital marketing and enhancements to our baby registry and loyalty programs."

Now here is a list of all stores closing in the US. Please note that several of these are solely Babiesrus stores:

Alabama

2600 McFarland Blvd. East, Tuscaloosa AL

335 Summit Blvd., Birmingham AL

Arizona

801 W. 32nd Street, Yuma AZ

12801 North Tatum Blvd., Paradise Valley AZ

9139 Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale AZ

4619 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson AZ

7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Scottsdale AZ

US 60 and Signal Butte Rd., Mesa AZ

Arkansas

2616 S. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock AR

California

42500 Jackson St., Indio CA

1189 Simi Town Ctr. Way, Simi Valley CA

26573 Carl Boyer Dr., Santa Clarita CA

960 Lakes Dr., Covina CA

1600 S. Azusa Ave., Puente Hills CA

2575 E. Imperial Highway, Brea CA

530 Westminster Mall, Westminster CA

20120 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance CA

2550 Canyon Springs Pkwy S., Riverside CA

700 "A" Onstott Rd., Yuba City CA

2785 E. Bidwell St., Folsom CA

1330 Fitzgerald, Pinole CA

4505 Century Blvd., Pittsburg CA

600 Francisco Blvd., San Rafael CA

5461 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood CA

1400 Gateway Blvd., Fairfield CA

3938 Horton, Emeryville CA

2179 Monterey Hwy., E. San Jose CA

865 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose / Almade CA

3520 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno CA

31250 Court House Dr., Union City CA

10640 Trinity Pkwy., Stockton CA

3900 Bristol Street, Santa Ana CA

3665 Grand Oaks, Corona CA

1240 W. Morena Blvd., Mission Bay CA

8181 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa CA

1990 University Drive, Vista CA

Colorado

1150 S. Ironton, Aurora CO

Connecticut

376 North Universal Drive, North Haven CT

275 Union St., Waterbury CT

3491 Berlin Turnpike, Newington CT

169 Hale Road, Manchester CT

Florida

1625 Apalachee Pkwy., Tallahassee FL

1900 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg FL

3908 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa FL

6001 Argyle Forest Blvd., Orange Park FL

Spring 708 West State Rd. 436, Altamonte FL

21697 State Road #7, Boca Raton FL

10732 SW Village Pkwy., Port St. Lucie FL

450 South SR 7, Royal Palm Beach FL

2601 W.Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee FL

6001 West Sample Road, Coral Springs FL

3214 N John Young Pkwy., Kissimmee FL

Georgia

2601 Dawson Rd., Albany GA

2955 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna GA

6380 No. Point Parkway, Alpharetta GA

1155 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Dunwoody GA

6875 Douglas Boulevard, Douglasville GA

8160 Mall Parkway, Conyers GA

221 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan GA

132 Pavilion Parkway, Fayetteville GA

Indiana

3928 E 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN

8800 US 31 South, Greenwood IN

Iowa

1211 E. Army Post Rd., S. Des Moines IA

8801 University Ave., Des Moines IA

Illinois

1610 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park IL

16 East Golf Rd., Schaumburg IL

295 Center Drive, Vernon Hills IL

5001 Lincoln Highway, Matteson IL

6420 W. Fullerton, Bricktown IL

7750 South Cicero Avenue, Burbank IL

5660 Touhy Avenue, Niles IL

Kansas

4646 W. Kellogg, Wichita KS

8500 W 135th Street, Overland Park KS

Kentucky

4900 Shelbyville Rd., St. Mathews KY

1155 Buck Creek Rd., Simpsonville KY

1965 Star Shoot Parkway, Lexington KY

Louisiana

137 Northshore Blvd., Slidell LA

Maine

6 Bangor Mall Blvd., Bangor ME

200 Running Hill Road, Portland ME

Maryland

8401 Mike Shapiro Drive, Clinton MD

Massachusetts

302 Providence, Dedham MA

70 Worcester Providence Tpk/Rt. 146, Millbury MA

50 Holyoke Street, Holyoke MA

217 Hartford Ave., Bellingham MA

6110 Shops Way, Northborough MA

Shoppers World Plaza, 1 Worcester Road, Framingham MA

Michigan

5363 Harvey Street, Muskegon MI

2620 Crossing Circle, Traverse City MI

5900 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing MI

4923 28th Street South East, Grand Rapids MI

3725 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor MI

3725 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor MI

Minnesota

14100 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN

170 89th Ave., Blaine MN

8236 Tamarack Village, Woodbury MN

900 West 78th Street South, Richfield MN

Mississippi

1003 Bonita Lakes Circle, Meridian MS

200 Bass Pro Dr., Pearl MS

Missouri

1901 Bernadette, Columbia MO

201 Silver Springs Rd., Cape Girardeau MO

5590 St. Louis Mills Blvd., Bridgeton MO

220 THF Blvd., Chesterfield MO

Nebraska

3505 S. 140th Plaza, Omaha NE

Nevada

2150 North Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas NV

7020 Arroyo Crossing Parkway, Spring Valley NV

New Mexico

45 Hotel Circle, Albuquerque NM

North Carolina

801 Fairview Road, Asheville NC

7001 Fayetteville Road, Durham NC

3300 Westgate Drive, Durham NC

New Hampshire

29 Gusabel Avenue, Nashua NH

New Jersey

1280 Rt. 22 & St. James Ave., Phillipsburg NJ

137 Route 35, Eatontown NJ

100 Promenade Blvd., Bridgewater NJ

2700 Route 22 East., Union NJ

909 US Hwy 1 South., North Brunswick NJ

Rt. 541 & Cadillac Road, Burlington NJ

2135 Route 38, Cherry Hill NJ

7 Wayne Hills Mall, Wayne NJ

545 Route 17 South, Paramus NJ

98 Route 10 West., East Hanover NJ

Kids World 900 Center Drive, Elizabeth NJ

50 International Drive South, Mt. Olive NJ

New York

139-19 20th Ave., College Point NY

24-30 Union Square E, Union Square NY

5181 Sunrise Hwy., Sayville NY

5214 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa NY

2335 Marketplace Drive, Henrietta NY

1569 Niagara Falls Blvd., Buffalo NY

401 Frank Sottile Boulevard, Kingston NY

708 Upper Glen St., Glens Falls NY

221 Wade Road Extension, Latham NY

2700 Central Park Ave., Yonkers NY

66 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village NY

1350 Corporate Drive, Westbury NY

108 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack NY

461 Lycoming Mall Cir, Williamsport NY

1530 Ridge Rd. West, Greece NY

Ohio

6251 Glenway Ave., Western Hills OH

2661 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton OH

7841 Mentor Ave., Mentor OH

3610 West Dublin-Granville Rd., Dublin OH

Oklahoma

1119 SE 66th St., Oklahoma City OK

5609-E Rogers Ave., Fort Smith OK

560 Ed Noble Pkwy., Norman OK

Pennsylvania

1061 N. Dupont Highway, Dover PA

100 Welsh Road, Horsham PA

6680 Peach St., Erie PA

3700 William Penn Highway, Monroeville PA

104 Bartlett Ave., Exton PA

2003 Cheryl Dr., Ross Park Mall PA

301 Oakspring Road, Washington PA

18/Valley View Dr., Beaver Valley Route PA

Rhode Island

300 Quaker Lane, Warwick RI

South Carolina

254 Harbison Boulevard, Columbia SC

South Dakota

450 E. Disk Drive, Rapid City SD

Tennessee

7676 Polo Ground Blvd., Memphis TN

5731 Nolensville Rd., Nashville TN

Texas

801 Mesa Hills Dr., West El Paso TX

9730 Katy Freeway, Katy TX

170 E. Stacy Road, Allen TX

7730 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving TX

420 E. Round Grove Rd., Lewisville TX

13710 Dallas Parkway, Dallas Galleria TX

1309 W. Pipeline Rd., Hurst TX

5800 Overton Ridge Blvd., Hulen TX

Utah

4042 Riverdale Rd., Ogden UT

1122 Fort Union Boulevard, Midvale UT

Virginia

14173 Crossing Place, Potomac Mills VA

12153 Jefferson Ave., Newport News VA

Washington

3567 N.W. Randall Way, Silverdale WA

1325A S.E. Everett Mall Parkway, Everett WA

6104 N. Division Street, Spokane WA

Wisconsin

18550 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield WI

2161 Zeier Road, Madison WI

Image
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933440)
Posted by o.supreme on January 24th, 2018 @ 10:42am CST
Wow I'm surprised none of the (4) stores near me are on this list. Well the 5th one is, but I never go to that one, but people in that area are now going to have to drive about 40 mins to get to their closest store. There is one I noticed also, but it is basically just a small *clearance* store in an outlet mall I think it was an only KB that was just taken over in fact), not a real TRU. Besides when I would go there, nothing would be on clearance price, in fact it would sometimes be more expensive than a regular TRU store...never understood the logic in this, and no surprise its closing.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933444)
Posted by Yotsuyasan on January 24th, 2018 @ 10:53am CST
As far as Massachusetts goes, the one in Holyoke is no loss as far as our hobby is concerned, as it is a Babies R Us. The only Toys R Us in Western Mass would be in Springfield, so I am happy that that one isn't on the list.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933447)
Posted by That_Guy on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:01am CST
Well, the two I take my son are not on this list in Florida. Yet, unlike the K-mart we avoid like the bubonic plague, that one is closing (probably closed now).
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933448)
Posted by Terrsolpix on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:10am CST
Tfw 15% of all closures are Californian :-(
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933451)
Posted by no-one on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:18am CST
Is it wrong of me to be sad that the one in my town isn't closing? I just wanted some cheap shit. :twisted:
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933456)
Posted by mooncake623 on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:25am CST
24-30 Union Square E, Union Square NY there hasn't been a Toys r Us here in a long time....
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933462)
Posted by Asepticon on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:50am CST
Thanks, Seibertron. Looks like we're safe in North Carolina.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933463)
Posted by william-james88 on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:51am CST
A source wishing to remain anonymous has uploaded a slide with broad strokes of the initiatives Toysrus will be taking in their 2018 roadmap. The same source also gave a breakdown of what all this means and some specifics:

- 181 stores are closing in first quarter, starting in February

- This 181 number breaks down to 91 Babiesrus, 47 Toysrus, 37 Side-by-sides, 2 outlets, and 4 express stores

- There will be an opening/remodeling of 12 new co-branded stores, different from the Side by Side build.

- Massive liquidation effort of $200M+ in merchandise.

- Plans to map and improve customer experience, revamp/improve online.

- Less skus in Brick and Mortar.

- Creating a pricing model and promotional strategy that improves the price perception.

Here is the slide they shared.

Image

This information only pertains to the US stores.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933466)
Posted by reluctantyouth on January 24th, 2018 @ 11:59am CST
The Illinois list makes some sense, but Moline, illinois should be on there. The store looks like it was transported here directly from 1985...no updates. The Bloomington, Illinois store should also be on the list. I don't understand the Schaumburg closure...the store was recently renovated from complete craphole to almost decent. I'm sure the rent is just too much in such a swanky Chicago suburb.

I'm glad Peoria, IL (my store) is a combo store and well run as far as TRU goes.
Re: A Message from Dave Brandon, Chairman & CEO, Toys'R'Us (1933472)
Posted by TF-fan kev777 on January 24th, 2018 @ 12:06pm CST
reluctantyouth wrote:The Illinois list makes some sense, but Moline, illinois should be on there. The store looks like it was transported here directly from 1985...no updates. The Bloomington, Illinois store should also be on the list. I don't understand the Schaumburg closure...the store was recently renovated from complete craphole to almost decent. I'm sure the rent is just too much in such a swanky Chicago suburb.


I think they are looking more at coverage areas than anything else. That would help explain Moline's and Bloomington's survival versus Schaumburg, Highland Park and Vernon Hills.

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Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #364 - Headless Observations
Twincast / Podcast #364:
"Headless Observations"
MP3 · iTunes · RSS · View · Discuss · Ask
Posted: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

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