Toys R Us, Babies R Us Stores Offer Close-Out Bargains

Toys R Us recently announced 170 store closings across the nation. Among those are five North Texas stores which will be closing in coming months. While this comes as disappointing news for fans of the toy retailer, bargain shoppers might consider it good luck. Store closures usually come with massive blowout sales, and Toys R Us is no exception.

Closing stores will continue to honor customer programs, including gift cards, Endless Earnings and credit card specials, the company said. Liquidation sales will run through April 15.

The following stores are offering close-out discounts in North Texas:

• 7730 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving (Toys R Us)
• 420 E. Round Grove Rd., Lewisville (Babies R Us)
• 13710 Dallas Parkway, Dallas Galleria (Toys R Us & Babies R Us)
• 1309 W. Pipeline Rd., Hurst (Toys R Us)
• 5800 Overton Ridge Blvd, Fort Worth 76132 (Babies R Us)

Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in September amid slumping sales and mounting debt, which grew to about $5 billion. The once-popular chain faced increasing competition from Amazon, Walmart and Target. The chain was set to close about 180 of its stores, or about 20 percent.

A federal bankruptcy judge ruled late last year that Toys R Us may pay 17 executives about $14 million in incentive bonuses if it hits a certain earnings amount. Attorneys representing the company argued that the bonuses would help executives focus on increasing sales during the past holiday season.

David Brandon, chairman and CEO of the toy retailer, previously said the brand was reinventing itself and that required some "tough decisions about our priorities and focus."
"The reinvention of our brands requires that we make tough decisions about our priorities and focus," Brandon said in a letter posted on the company's website.

Photo by Daniel Hubbard, Patch staff
Patch editor Don Johnson contributed to this report