what happened to toys r us

Toys "R" Us filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and closed all its stores mainly because of rising competition from big box stores and online retailers, as well as billions of dollars in debt. The companys struggles predated the boom in online shopping, and its debt problems date back to well before online shopping became a major threat. The company was further hampered by a significant debt load, the result of a leveraged buyout organized by private equity firms. Despite these challenges, Toys "R" Us has made a comeback through a partnership with US retail giant Macy’s and its parent company, WHP Global, has announced plans to open up to 24 flagship stores across the United States starting next year. This comeback attempt comes during a difficult time for brick-and-mortar stores, with many closing in the past several years as they have had to contend with the continued growth of e-commerce followed by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.