http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/14/news/companies/toys-r-us-closing-stores/index.html
I don't have the same emotional attachment that some 1980s and 1990s kids had with Toys R Us, even back then the prices were considered expensive and their closest location was miles away despite living in a major metropolitan area. Then along came the prevalence of 16-bit and 32-bit video game consoles so toys seemed irrelevant to me and everyone else around at the time. However it appears Toys R Us will soon be gone for good.
I think it's a case of changing preferences among kids and the parents that shop for them while the purchasing power of wages fall; necessities like food, clothing, and especially shelter, rise; and there's a stronger argument that buying a phone or tablet can teach children responsibility and how to use technology so they'll be better able to participate in society, whereas traditional toys don't do that.https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/13/toys-r-us-is-preparing-to-file-its-liquidation-plan-with-the-court.html
Toys R Us, the iconic U.S. retailer, is in the process of drafting the court motion for its liquidation plan, a source familiar with the situation told CNBC on Tuesday.
The retailer could file as soon as the end of Wednesday, making the motion official. It will then begin to wind down the storied toy retailer, after more than half a century in business.
A liquidation will most likely result in the closing of all of Toys R Us' 800 stores in the U.S.
It will be a blow to the toy industry, which has relied on it for supplying row after row of toys and premium pricing. Toys R Us accounted for 15 to 20 percent of U.S. toy sales last year, according to Jefferies analyst Stephanie Wissink.
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Last week, it became increasingly clear that liquidation would be the most likely route. Still, as recently as last week, it was placing orders from its vendors and telling employees it was business as usual, sources said.
This week, though, Toy R Us missed a payment to some of its vendors, and was not responsive to calls, sources told CNBC. Bloomberg first reported the missed payment.
The people requested anonymity because the information is confidential. Toys R Us declined to comment.
Others think it's unfair that manufacturers will lose the last retailer dedicated to their business. I think that's just the nature of business, but that's just my opinion.
So, I've given my opinion that Toys R Us was an expensive relic of the past, unable to provide what consumers want in 2018. What's yours?
Title edit on 3-15-18 to indicate the topic of discussion is Toys R Us' bankruptcy and resulting closure; no other topics.
