The magic of roaming through endless rows of toys will soon be something only remembered by older generations.
My childhood mourns not just for me, but for kids yet to come who won’t know the bright-eyed thrill of wandering aisles filled with playthings and surprises.
After seven decades of operation, global toy retailer Toys R Us revealed it will shutter all of its U.S. retail outlets, including Babies R Us.
The old saying, “Everything Must Go,” feels particularly fitting in the internet shopping era. Liquidation events could launch within a few weeks, and stores might shut within as little as two months, CNNMoney reports. No exact timeline has been announced yet.
Here’s what to know about the nationwide closeout as the chorus of markdowns draws nearer.
What to do with a Toys R Us gift card
Time’s ticking. Use your Toys R Us gift cards right away.
A company representative told USA Today that Toys R Us will accept gift cards for just the next 30 days.
For perspective, customers still held $17.7 million in unused gift cards when Borders closed in 2011. It’s unclear how much remains outstanding on Toys R Us cards, but it’s certain they’ll be of no value soon.
If you need to check a balance, you can also look up toys r us gift card balance for guidance.
What about Babies R Us registries and gift cards?
The announcement raises concerns for expectant parents who relied on the chain.
People reported that customer and loyalty programs will remain active only for the coming weeks. That includes Rewards R Us, Geoffrey’s Birthday List and the Babies R Us registry.
The company intends to keep the Babies R Us registry and online store operational for now, according to USA Today. The hope is some parts of the business can be sold as assets, though the prospects appear uncertain.
Additionally, all Babies R Us gift cards will remain redeemable for the next 30 days and will lose value after that window.
How to navigate the Toys R Us liquidation sales
Soon, once-packed aisles will be pared down to a sparse collection of leftover items. Many hot-ticket toys will disappear quickly as bargain hunters swoop in on day one.
Keep your head by following these suggestions:
1. Make a list before you shop
Decide what you need before you step into the store. This helps prevent impulse buys and keeps your spending and priorities clear.
2. Ask yourself: Do I really need this?
There’s nothing wrong with browsing sale items, but pause to consider whether you actually need it — even if your inner (or literal) child is begging for it.
3. Cross-check prices
Don’t be fooled by apparent discounts. Use your phone to look up prices on Google and confirm the bargain is legitimate. Initial markdowns aren’t always true savings. If it’s a great price on a sought-after item, buy it now since it may be gone later.
4. Inspect items closely
Examine your chosen item carefully. Ensure it isn’t defective, that it functions properly and that all parts are included before purchasing. Verify clothing sizes and that any pairs — including footwear — match.
5. Verify warranties
Many consumer warranties are void during liquidation sales, but certain manufacturer warranties might still apply. Ask if extended warranties are available, particularly for pricier purchases. If the product is sold “as is,” what you see is what you get.
6. Remember: all sales are final
Closeout sales typically don’t allow returns. You’re stuck with your purchase — unless you choose to regift or resell it. That’s all the more reason not to buy things you don’t truly want or need.
7. Use a credit card
Paying by credit card offers protection when there’s no warranty or return option. You can dispute a charge if the item is faulty. Avoid cash, checks or debit cards when possible for liquidation buys.
8. Try to negotiate
Haggling isn’t common in the U.S., but during a clearance event you have little to lose. If you’re buying multiple items or the product has defects, you might be able to wring out a better price — especially if you can show it’s cheaper elsewhere.
9. Buy larger sizes for kids
When shopping children’s clothing, consider grabbing bigger sizes they’ll grow into. You can stash these for future birthdays or holidays, or keep them until needed.
10. Check other store locations
Visit neighboring stores if more than one exists nearby. Inventory varies by location and another store might still have what you want.
11. Learn the markdown timeline
Managers often know the discount schedule in advance. Ask at your local branch and time your visits to coincide with the deepest reductions.
12. Revisit regularly
Keep checking as the discounts deepen, especially if you’re hoping for a steep price drop on a particular item. This strategy works best when you live close to a store and can pop in often.
13. Brace for crowds
Expect fellow shoppers hunting bargains. Don’t let the rush pressure you into unnecessary purchases. Stick to your list, budget and shopping plan.
Losing Geoffrey the giraffe is bittersweet, and it’s sad to imagine he’ll fade like old mascots of the past, but liquidation offers a chance to save if you shop smart.
Rachel Martin is a staff writer at Savinly. She’ll always be a Toys R Us kid.
