Toys ‘R’ Us Prepares to Close Kitchener Location
Toys “R” Us is preparing to close its Kitchener location on Fairway Road, marking a significant change for the retailer in Waterloo Region. The store, which has operated for 40 years, has started liquidation sales as part of its final days.
Toys “R” Us Closure Details
Posters on the store’s windows announce, “This store is closing,” as customers are informed about the ongoing sales on various merchandise. The closure of the Kitchener location follows a troubling trend for Toys “R” Us across Canada, where many stores have already shuttered.
Recent Store Closures
- Guelph’s Stone Road Mall location also closed, citing nonpayment of rent.
- 38 locations shut down across Canada in 2025 alone.
Currently, Toys “R” Us lists only 40 locations on its website, with several stores, including the Kitchener site, available for sale. This reduction in physical stores highlights an ongoing trend of decreasing foot traffic and revenue.
Impact of Online Retail
Canadians increasingly prefer online shopping, opting for major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. This shift has prompted declining sales for traditional toy retailers.
Legal Troubles and Financial Struggles
- Toys “R” Us faces seven lawsuits from landlords.
- The company owes over $31.3 million in unpaid rent and damages.
The Kitchener location has been for sale since August 2025, but details about its future remain unclear. As of now, no official closing date has been set for the store.
