The Toys “R” Us store in Barrie’s north end is preparing to close its doors.
Signs posted in the windows indicate that the Bayfield Street North location is currently clearing out its inventory.
Store signs advertise discounts of up to 30 per cent off all merchandise, while inside the store the majority of items appeared to be on sale for 15 per cent, while vinyl records were being advertised as being 10 per cent off.
It was announced in February 2024 that HMV would begin selling merchandise in some of the toy retailer's Ontario locations. That move, which marked HMV's return to the Canadian market, was being positioned by Toys "R" Us Canada as a way to appease consumer demand for pop culture, collectible and nostalgic merchandise.
An employee, who recently spoke to BarrieToday, said they believed the closure was due to a real estate deal, however the official closing date remains unknown.
A visit to the store on Friday found multiple empty shelves while employees could be seen adding merchandise to some other areas in the baby section of the store.
Multiple attempts by BarrieToday to reach the marketing director for Toys “R” Us Canada were unsuccessful.
The company also operates a second store in the city's south end at Park Place. There is no indication of any changes at that store.
In January 2025, Toys "R" Us announced it was closing locations at Argyle Mall in London along with its shops on Steeles Avenue West in Thornhill, Hurontario Street in Mississauga, Marcus Drive in Sudbury and Centennial Parkway North in Stoney Creek.
— With files from Canadian Press
