WAYNE, N.J. — Iconic children's retailer Toys 'R' Us plans to close as many as 182 stores nationwide, the chain said in court documents Tuesday.
The New Jersey-based company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, has about 880 U.S. stores and 1,600 worldwide.
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"The reinvention of our brands requires that we make tough decisions about our priorities and focus," Dave Brandon, Toys 'R' Us chairman and CEO, said in a letter posted on the company's website. "To that end and following a top-to-bottom assessment of our business, we have decided to close a number of our U.S. stores. We also intend to convert a number of locations into co-branded Toys 'R' Us and Babies 'R' Us stores. 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."
If approved, "we estimate store closing sales to begin in early February, with the majority of locations closing in mid-April 2018," Brandon wrote.
The closures still need court approval, according to documents.
Here's a list of the Georgia stores set to close:
1155 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Dunwoody GA
6875 Douglas Boulevard, Douglasville GA
2955 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna GA
6380 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta GA
132 Pavilion Parkway, Fayetteville GA
8160 Mall Parkway, Lithonia GA
221 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan GA
2601 Dawson Rd., Albany GA
[ (See the full list around the country on pages 72-74 of this document) ]
Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach talked to a customer who is upset but understands the decision.
"“That’s really disappointing because I shop at Babies “R” Us all the time. Although, I’m also a big fan of Amazon. So I can see how retail has gone downhill and having brick and mortar stores not doing so well I’m sure for Toys “R” Us and Babies R Us," shopper Alison Franklin said.
Customers say there are some things you can't do from a computer or app, especially with your hands full with a four-month-old.
"I think with a first child and newborn you do want to go into the store and see the products and do a little research," Franklin said.
Shana Cash, a customer Gehlback spoke with who is recovering from a recent surgery, said the move brings a question about convenience.
"It was a really nice incentive right after surgery to be able to come here and pick something up. Amazon couldn't deliver immediately to the door after surgery, so I was glad Toys "R" Us was here today. (I'm) sad they're closing," she said.