The Freehold Toys”R”Us and Manalapan Babies”R”Us locations will remain open despite the company financially restructuring.
Of the 128 stores expected to close throughout the U.S., 12 of the 33 New Jersey locations are included. The expected timeframe is from February to mid-April, according to Chairman and CEO David A. Brandon.
Toys”R”Us located at 600 Trotter Way in Freehold and Babies”R”Us located at 17 Route 9 south in Manalapan will not be affected. The only Monmouth County store expected to close is Toys”R”Us at 137 Route 35, Eatontown.
Toys”R”Us has been in operation for 70 years out of Wayne, with 1,600 locations open throughout the world. The company “proactively and voluntarily” filed for Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. in September, while the Canadian subsidiary also began proceedings under the companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, according to information provided by the corporation.
On Jan. 23, Brandon offered an update on the company, stating that “our primary focus is reimagining our business with you in mind.” He stated that this past holiday season, there were “operational missteps” and “gaps in experience.”
“This is not just a store closure story, this is about the reinvention of our brands and business,” said Taylor O’Donnell, a representative of Toys”R”Us.
In the short-term, closing sales will begin in mid-February, according to Brandon. Purchases made during the store closing sales will be final sale.
The customer, registry, credit, warranty and loyalty programs will continue as usual. The stores will continue to sell and accept gift cards. Certain coupons will not be accepted.
Layaway items must be picked up or transferred to a different location. Any items that are not picked up by the deadline will be canceled with applicable fees waived. Deadlines are determined by individual stores.
“The reinvention of our brands requires that we make tough decisions about our priorities and focus. To that end and following a top-to-bottom assessment of our business … the actions we are taking are necessary to give us the best chance to emerge from our bankruptcy proceedings as a more viable and competitive company that will provide the level of service and experience you should expect from a market leader,” Brandon said.
In the long-term, Brandon said the company recently relaunched its price match program, and will also offer promotions and an improved loyalty program at its remaining locations.
Online shopping will still be available at www.toysrus.com and www.babiesrus.com.
For more information, visit www.toysrusinc.com or call 1-800-TOYSRUS.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
