It’s officially “game over” for the Toys ‘R’ Us in Kitchener. Thursday marked the last day at the Fairway Road South location. “To our loyal customers, THANK YOU for your support, kindness and trust,” a sign posted in the window read. “It has been our privilege to serve this community, and we are truly grateful for the memories we’re shared!” The store said the doors would close for good at 8 p.m. Toys ‘R’ Us once called itself the “world’s biggest toy store.” “Even after this place closes, I’ll be a Toys ‘R’ Us kid for life,” said shopper Jason Ward, who stopped by with his family on the store’s final day. The retailer initiated bankruptcy proceedings in 2017 and filed for creditor protection in February 2026, following a series of lawsuits from unpaid suppliers and landlords across the country. Toys ‘R’ Us Canada has already closed dozens of stores over the last few years. One of those was the Stone Road Mall location in Guelph, which has been replaced by Spirit Halloween pop-up shop. Signs posted in the windows of the Fairway Road location said items were up to 90 per cent off. Merchandise was even given away for free. “We got a headband,” said Ward. Despite the deals, some visitors left empty-handed. “Empty shelves,” observed one shopper. “There’s nothing much. Just plush toys, a few Barbies. But that’s pretty much it.” The sale sign went up along Wilson Avenue late last year. While many shoppers knew the end was near, the reality is finally sinking in. “I’ve been here many years with my own children,” said shopper Amanda. “To see it close down, it’s kind of sad to see.” “Really iconic,” said another. “There’s stuff that I buy here that I can’t get anywhere else.” The closure also hit employees hard. “They’re just kind of shocked and surprised,” said shopper Linda, who became friends with the staff over the years. “Some of them are unemployed. They don’t know what their next steps are going to be.” According to court documents, the company couldn’t cope with inflation, rising labour costs and the shift to e-commerce. “Toys ‘R’ Us did not change its business model... to see the shift of consumer behaviour,” explained Ebrahim Mazaheri, an associate marketing professor at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont. “That’s why they’re here.” CTV News reached out to Toys ‘R’ Us Canada for comment but did not get a response by the deadline.
