Surprising headlines this morning, hearing Toys R Us has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US and Canada. Although it has said UK stores are trading as normal for now, I wouldn't sit on any vouchers or gift cards for too long!
I hope they manage to rescue the business, it's one of those industries that just isn't the same online. We've got lots of photos of our kids picking up teddy bears and giving them a cuddle, with their eyes on stalks looking at all the toys. How can you recreate that on Amazon?
Maybe a lot of parents simply let their kids find something they like, then actually buy online elsewhere. Pretty much what most of us do when it comes to kitchen appliances, but there is something magical about watching the kids spending their birthday money at Toys R Us. I know mine get excited about the prospect of the birthday trip to the nearest store and are now at the age where they prefer gift cards so they can choose their own presents.
We've actually got about £40 in gift cards as it was my eldest daughters birthday recently, so with today's news, will be heading down to our nearest branch after school today. Just in case!
If they do go out of business, it will be a shame. We had a large independent toy shop in our town which went bust last year, so that leaves Asda as our biggest toy shop where the kids can actually see and touch things.
Have you got any local toy shops near you or do you buy everything online?
