Even as some other stores are folded into Toys R Us like Babies R Us and HMV, the company has had a hard time competing with Amazon and Walmart. In general, some toys stores have struggled in the past year such as Mastermind. There could be a variety of reasons why not the least of which is that the stores are too big and rent too high.
There have been some big changes since Toys R Us opened in 1989. Back then the Red River Ex, stadium and arena were all in the area and drew large crowds much of the year. Polo Park Mall still draw crowds. It has been some time since the arena and stadium closed and the spaces around that area remains largely vacant. This possibly has had an impact on traffic.
There will be some who mourn the loss. It is always surprising that Americans who come here have their faces light up when they see the store. In 2026, it is reported that Toys R Us will be opening stores again in the U.S. This could boost prospects in Canada too if there is a new approach and format that appears to work.
The Regent store remains for now. Perhaps this closure will forestall any more closures. All retail is facing a bit of chaos in terms of post pandemic climate, supply chains, inflation, tariffs and relevancy. Amazon has turned into a monster but in house experience can still be possible. For example, Spirit Halloween, is not just about costumes but the experience of being scared by some of the noise and pop up monsters. Amazon doesn't do that. A new offering of Toys R Us needs to entertain as well as have product on sale.
There is a new approach to the Polo Park area to mix in retail and residential. The Toys R Us site doesn't have an automatic store to jump into the space. It could be we see more apartments go up now that it is permitted after resistance from Winnipeg Airport. It is sad though that a long time store with memories for a lot of people over four decades disappears now.
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