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We crossed our fingers that Toys “R” Us wouldn't meet its demise, but unfortunately, the time has come to bid the chain adieu.
According to Time, the remaining Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us locations—though it's unclear how many are still open—will officially close on June 29. If you need that one last rendezvous down the stuffed animal aisle, make sure to head to your local store for a final shopping spree. It's been reported that there are discounts in the 50–75 percent range—a small silver lining in this tragic toy store news.
When the bankruptcy news first made headlines, we reported the New York and New Jersey locations that were set to close (see below). Call the store closest to your home before venturing, as it's uncertain which stores have closed before the official end date.
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
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
Though we're feeling nostalgic about the good 'ol days with Geoffrey, and we're bummed kids won't be able to experience the fun, there is something to look forward to. According to CNBC, Party City is looking to fill the gap that Toys “R” Us is leaving behind. The company plans to open 50 pop-up stores called Toy City, akin to its seasonal Halloween shops, though exact locations haven't been revealed (but they'll be in "optimal" markets, CNBC further reports).
"The creation of a Toy City concept to complement our temporary seasonal retail strategy is a logical extension of our brand; one that will allow us to leverage our existing pop-up store capabilities and capitalize on the category whitespace that has recently been created," Party City CEO James Harrison said in a statement, according to CNBC.
Specific plans have yet to be released, but one thing's for certain: We're looking forward to browsing Toy City, even if our afternoons at Toys “R” Us are in the rearview mirror. It's a tough toy situation, but we will get through it together!
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Though this toy news is certainly upsetting, we have a lot to look forward to now that school's out. Check out the best summer activities for kids, take a trip to visit these fun water parks near NYC and ride your favorite roller coasters at the best kids' amusement parks.