Toys "R" Us Canada returning as departments inside Staples, starting with Richmond Hill pilot

The first Toys "R" Us in Canada since the chain's collapse is set to open inside a Staples in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Nov. 14. The pilot is the first step toward a target of roughly 300 Staples stores by the end of 2027, with Toys "R" Us and Parties "R" Us areas taking over floor space where the office supplies now sit.

For shoppers, that means toys and party supplies may appear inside the Staples nearest them rather than in a dedicated toy store.

The brand's new owner is Next Century Ipco Can ULC, an affiliate of U.S. firm Ad Populum, which owns Party City. Next Century bought 150 Toys "R" Us Canada trademarks earlier this year, after the Canadian operator, run by Ancaster, Ont. entrepreneur Doug Putman, filed for creditor protection. Canadian Press reported in June that the retailer owes money to vendors. The last time this brand was in Canadian malls, in 2018, it was a standalone store with a Ferris wheel of a flagship, and that is the version many parents remember. Ad Populum has not said whether it will run stores itself or license the name to others.

HighOnCity reported in June that Toys "R" Us Canada had reached three separate deals to sell off its assets, and in July that Canada's first Toys "R" Us, in Brampton, was closing. The Newmarket location at Upper Canada Mall closes by March 31 under a lease termination agreement.

Neither Staples nor Next Century has answered questions about financing, how many stores have already agreed to take part, or how the departments will be staffed. Toys "R" Us Canada and Putman have not commented. The next date to watch is Nov. 14, when the Richmond Hill pilot is scheduled to open and the first answers about staffing and stock should appear.