I have seen in several reports that at least some of the stores might escape closings if somebody decides to buy them. The rumor mill has been working overtime, and so many names were thrown around as possible buyers, including Amazon.
Could this turn out to be true? Can at least some of the people working here be spared of this disaster?
http://e.lvme.me/utf81xd.jpg
IF, and its a long shot, the Canadian thing happens and they take some US store it would probably look more like what happened with Gander Mountain. Liquidate everything, take the name, rework the concept and play hardball with landlords to reduce rents and reopen some stores. That's taking upwards of a year at Gander.
More likely someone will buy the trademarks and put them on an e-commerce only site. Like https://www.wards.com/, https://www.servicemerchandise.com/, http://compusa.com/, http://www.lnt.com/, etc.
Yes don’t waste your time working there. Not worth the stress and aggravation you will most definitely will feel. And for what?? You will get nothing. Leave now!
There's no knight in shining armor coming to rescue this company, so all the rumors are just what they are BS. At most what you might see is someone buying out the trademarks, TRU owns KBToys, eToys.com and lots of others. It could be feasible to keep .com going but honestly, that whole platform is a mess. Sportsauthority.com points to d---s sporting goods now.
Toys had its chance to diversify outside of its core but senior management mostly just crapped on the ideas.
Not happening.
Even if that was the case, no company in their right mind (other than TRU would take on 5 billion in debt for a broken business model. If there is any interest it's in the brand. That's where the money is. TRU as we know it will cease to exist along with their debt. Inventory and assets have to be liquidated to pay the secured debt. I don't really know if the lenders, vendors and Court will agree to let them pick and choose stores to sell. If a buyer comes in it will be for the intellectual property. The brand. Then MAYBE they will look to reboot the brand according to industry trends. Smaller stores, less stores, less toys, more interactive offerings and more innovation. Basically everything TRU executives failed to see for the last 20 years. In my opinion even if they weren't saddled with all that debt 13 years ago, they would not have changed their business model. I don't think they could be a company of innovation. The executives were too old school and too arrogant. Just listen to David Brandon blame everyone else for the demise on his conference call. Zero accountability. Just arrogance.
You deserve better than toys r us. Better to just start looking
At this point in the game it would probably look more like what happened at Gander Mountain.
No.
It is time to move on.
Game is over! Stores are prepping for closure already.