as a fan of Transformers toys, this news of course has been all over the sites for a while. From the bankruptcy last September, to the first news of closures last week, until the final announcement yesterday. It is sad. TRU was such a great part of my childhood in the late 70's, and 80's. As an adult in the 90's and even early 2000's it was a great source for retro toys. But yes, in the past 10 years or so especially it has gone downhill in terms of customer service, price, and product availability. I feel sorry for all those who will be losing their jobs, but unfortunately greedy investors brought this upon themselves. Its just too bad that the only reliable places to get toys now will be Walmart & Target. Sure there are dozens of online options, but hunting through all those is tedious, and if something goes on sale, scalpers tend to buy them all up in short order, then try to hock them on eBay and Amazon for exorbitant prices. Just having a store dedicated to toys was as close to a *magical* experience I think any kid can have. My kids at least got to experience it a little, even though it was not in the glory days of TRU. But a friend of mine has a son just 6 months old. His only knowledge of a store solely dedicated to toys will be what his relatives will tell him about.
I currently have a $10 off "purchase of $75 or more" coupon in my wallet. I was thinking of getting the Voltron Legendary Defenders large Voltron set, which retails for $100. I was going to put it on layaway since I don't have exactly 100 to drop on a toy at this moment, but I guess that isn't happening...
Also TRU was in some cases, a good place to find exclusive toys you could not get anywhere else. Just this year, there is going to be a release of a new Hasbro Transformers Predaking toy. It was most likely going to be only found at TRU (and online at Hasbro toy shop, but that site is sooo screwed up, don't get me started)...Now I'm not sure how I'm going to obtain this item.
Oh and I've mentioned this story many times since I grew up in thjis area and visited ths store, but I guess it wont be an issue anymore heh...
There are no more good TV Shows, only ones that haven't disappointed me yet.