Toys “R” Us Shuts Down Three Stores in Quebec: Expert Labels Brand a “Dinosaur

Toys “R” Us Struggles: Innovation Deficit Leads to Closures Across Canada

Montreal, QC – December 3, 2025 – The recent closure of three Toys “R” us stores in Quebec, alongside 38 others across Canada and the sale of 12 additional locations, signals a deeper issue than simply economic pressures.Experts are pointing to a critical innovation deficit within the American toy retailer,leaving it unable to compete in a rapidly evolving market.

Marketing and communications strategist Gaëtan Namouric, founder of Perrier Jablonski, described Toys “R” Us as a “dinosaur,” emblematic of the outdated “big box” retail model. “Before, we went to 30,000 square feet and we thought we were going to look for something special,” Namouric explained in a recent interview.However, consumer behavior has fundamentally shifted.

Today, shoppers are increasingly bypassing conventional retailers and going directly to the source – the brands themselves. “The destination is Pokémon, it’s Barbie, it’s Lego,” Namouric stated. “That’s what we’re going to go for, and then we don’t really need Toys R Us for that anymore.”

This shift highlights Toys “R” Us’s failure to adapt to a market driven by brand loyalty and direct-to-consumer purchasing. The company struggled to replicate the logistical efficiencies pioneered by Amazon, leaving it vulnerable to rising costs.

“What Amazon revolutionized in terms of logistics, thay coudl not do,” Namouric noted. “We have to pay rent, we have to pay salaries. Everything increased, but prices could not keep up.”

Beyond pricing, the closures represent a loss for quebec families, diminishing the unique experience of browsing and discovering toys in a dedicated retail environment. As Namouric poignantly observed, “when we are children, we remember how amazing it is to be surrounded…” – an experience increasingly unavailable with the decline of Toys “R” Us.

How might the closures of Toys “R” Us stores in Quebec impact the local economy and employment rates?

The iconic toy retailer, Toys “R” Us, is facing renewed challenges with the closure of three stores across Quebec. This latest development has sparked debate about the brand’s future and its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Experts are increasingly critical, with some bluntly labeling Toys “R” Us a “dinosaur” unable to adapt to modern consumer habits. This article dives into the details of the closures,the reasons behind them,and what this means for Canadian shoppers and the future of toy retail.

Quebec Store Closures: A Detailed Look

As of December 3rd, 2025, toys “R” us canada has confirmed the permanent closure of locations in:

* Saint-Jérôme, Quebec

* Drummondville, Quebec

* Laval, Quebec

These closures impact local employment and reduce access to a customary brick-and-mortar toy shopping experience for residents in those areas. Liquidation sales are currently underway at these locations, offering discounts on remaining inventory.The company has not released specific details regarding the number of employees affected by these closures.

Why is Toys “R” Us Struggling? – Expert Analysis

Retail analyst, Marie Dupont, of Retail Insights Canada, stated, “Toys ‘R’ us is, frankly, a dinosaur.They failed to evolve with the times. Their business model relied heavily on large-format stores and a limited online presence, which simply isn’t sustainable in today’s market.”

Several key factors contribute to the ongoing struggles of Toys “R” Us:

* Rise of E-commerce: The dominance of online retailers like Amazon,walmart.ca, and specialized online toy stores has significantly eroded Toys “R” Us’s market share. Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of online shopping,competitive pricing,and wider product selection.

* Competition from Big-Box Stores: Walmart and Target offer a substantial range of toys at discounted prices, attracting price-sensitive consumers. These retailers often use toys as loss leaders to drive traffic to their stores.

* Shifting Consumer Preferences: children’s entertainment is evolving. Digital games, streaming services, and experiential entertainment are capturing a larger share of children’s leisure time and spending.

* Past Bankruptcy & Restructuring: The 2017 bankruptcy filing and subsequent restructuring left the brand weakened and struggling to regain its footing. while the Canadian branch was sold to a new ownership group, the damage to brand perception was important.

* Supply Chain Issues: Recent global supply chain disruptions have impacted inventory levels and increased costs, further straining the company’s finances.

The Impact on canadian Toy Retail

The Toys “R” Us closures are symptomatic of broader trends in the canadian retail sector. The toy industry, in particular, is undergoing a conversion.

* Consolidation: We’re seeing increased consolidation within the toy industry, with larger players acquiring smaller brands.

* Focus on Experiential Retail: Prosperous toy retailers are increasingly focusing on creating immersive and engaging in-store experiences to attract customers. This includes interactive displays, play areas, and events.

* Omnichannel Strategy: A robust omnichannel strategy – seamlessly integrating online and offline shopping experiences – is crucial for survival. This includes options like buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) and efficient online ordering and delivery.

* Niche Toy Stores: Smaller, independent toy stores specializing in unique or educational toys are finding success by catering to specific customer segments.

Toys “R” us Canada’s response & Future Outlook

Toys “R” us Canada has been attempting to adapt, focusing on strengthening its e-commerce platform and partnering with other retailers. They currently operate a partnership with Amazon, allowing customers to purchase Toys “R” Us products through the Amazon.ca marketplace.

However, analysts remain skeptical.”The Amazon partnership is a lifeline, but it’s not a long-term solution,” says Dupont. “They’re essentially relying on their biggest competitor to keep them afloat.”

The future of Toys “R” Us Canada remains uncertain. Further store closures are possible if the company fails to demonstrate a clear path to profitability and adapt to the changing retail landscape. The brand needs to innovate beyond simply selling toys and offer a compelling reason for customers to choose them over the competition.

Benefits of Shopping at Independent Toy Stores

While the decline of Toys “R” Us is concerning for some, it also presents opportunities for smaller, independent toy stores.these stores often offer:

* unique and Curated Selection: Independent stores typically carry a more curated selection of toys, focusing on quality, educational value, or locally made products.

* Personalized Service: Learned staff can provide personalized recommendations and assistance.

* Community Focus: Independent stores often support local communities and host events.

* Specialty Toys: Access to hard-to-find or specialty toys not available in big-box stores.

Practical Tips for toy Shopping in 2025

* compare Prices: Utilize price comparison websites and apps to find the best deals.

* Read Reviews: Check online reviews before making a purchase