Shoppers walk into a Toys 'R' Us store in this photo taken Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. Toys 'R' Us Canada says it is closing five Ontario stores and revamping several others as it works to 'optimize' its business. (Eric Gay/Associated Press)
Toys "R" Us Canada has announced the closure of five stores across Ontario and plans to revamp several others as part of an effort to streamline its operations and enhance its business performance.
The affected locations include stores at Argyle Mall in London, Steeles Avenue West in Thornhill, Hurontario Street in Mississauga, Marcus Drive in Sudbury, and Centennial Parkway North in Stoney Creek. While the company has not disclosed how many jobs will be impacted by these closures, it operates 81 stores nationwide, according to its website.
In addition to the closures, Toys "R" Us Canada is focusing on optimizing its inventory to create space for new in-store experiences. As part of this strategy, several locations will feature a dedicated area for HMV, a popular entertainment
Toys "R" Us Canada says it is closing five Ontario stores and revamping several others as it works to "optimize" its business. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP/Charlie Neibergall)
brand that began appearing in Toys "R" Us stores last year. HMV will have a stand-alone presence in select locations, expanding its footprint under the ownership of Putman Investments, the parent company of Toys "R" Us.
Other stores will undergo renovations to introduce Wonderlab, a concept currently being tested in Burlington, Ontario. This new feature will offer customers an interactive environment with an indoor play structure, as well as space for arts and crafts and sensory activities, aimed at enhancing the overall shopping experience.
