A longtime Whitby retail landmark is nearing the end of its run, with the Toys “R” Us store on Thickson Road expected to close after more than 40 years in the community.
The Whitby Toys R Us closure could happen later this month as the store continues selling its remaining inventory.
Signs advertising “everything must go” have been posted throughout the location, with discounts ranging from 25 to 90 per cent. Many shelves are already largely empty as customers purchase the remaining toys, stuffed animals, DVDs and other merchandise.
Closing Date Depends on Remaining Inventory
While social media reports had suggested the Whitby location could remain open until early September, store staff indicated that it will likely close sooner.
There is currently no official closing date. The timing is expected to depend largely on how quickly the remaining inventory is sold.
The closure will bring an end to more than four decades of Toys “R” Us operating on Thickson Road in Whitby’s retail district.
For longtime customers, the shutdown also reflects broader changes in how families purchase toys and other products, particularly as online shopping has become increasingly common.
Toys R Us Canada Undergoing Restructuring
The Whitby closure comes amid major financial challenges and restructuring at Toys “R” Us Canada.
Earlier in 2026, the company filed for creditor protection with approximately $160 million in reported unpaid debts.
The restructuring process before Ontario Superior Court subsequently resulted in three successful transactions involving different parts of the retailer’s operations and assets.
U.S.-based Ad Populum is set to acquire an intellectual property portfolio that includes the Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us brands and digital assets.
Another transaction involves Fox Group Jumbo Canada acquiring the lease for the Toys “R” Us store at Vaughan Mills, one of the retailer’s strongest-performing Canadian locations.
A third transaction involves a company controlled by entrepreneur Doug Putman acquiring operating assets that include inventory, cash, logistics contracts and 10 store leases.
Future of Toys R Us in Canada Remains Uncertain
The restructuring does not necessarily mean the Toys “R” Us name will disappear entirely from Canada.
The future of the brand after the restructuring will depend on its new owners and how they decide to operate the acquired assets.
Several Ontario locations remain open, including stores in Vaughan Mills, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Sarnia.
For Whitby shoppers, however, the remaining time to visit the Thickson Road location appears limited.
With much of the merchandise already sold and liquidation discounts continuing, the store is expected to permanently close once its remaining inventory is depleted.
