Wilkes-Barre's Toys R Us Playtime Racetrack

The final post of the month will be a flashback to the uncertain time for Toys R Us. Having visited the area in March 2018 for other reasons, I decided to make it a point to stop by some TRU location to grab some pics just in case Chapter 7 were to happen. Obviously we know what happened, but needless to say I'm glad I got pictures as I would not make it back to Wilkes-Barre before this location closed its doors. This Toys R Us was unique in that it never really was updated from its racetrack format of store layout from what I could tell.

This store still managed to keep Geffoery as part of the store's signage as well, which I was told was quite rare.

All of the glass used sure makes for both a nice entrance and also lets a lot of natural light to highlight the shopping carts.

Upon entering, seasonal toys are to your left while guest services and checkout lanes were to the right. You would find the racetrack circle actionway ahead of you.

Beyond the seasonal department, the remainder of the left side of the store was all baby supplies.

The back of the store featured bikes and kiddie vehicles followed by various toys for boys such as diecast cars and action figures. Girls toys were found along the right side of the store along with electronics in the front right corner.

Not sure what this was used for

And we conclude the former TRU tour with a look at the glass entrance as viewed from within the store.

If there's one positive thing to say after taking look at this now former store, at least it wouldn't sit empty long. Ocean State Job Lot will open its first Pennsylvania stores in both this space and the former Dickson City Toys R Us.

The Final Goodbye(s) to Toys R Us- in Erie

There is no question that the demise of the last toy store of its kind hit many folks hard. It is sad to think that there is currently no chain toy store to fill the gap. Sure, we have independent toy stores and toy departments, but it isn't the same. There truly is nothing that can compare to the pure joy that children got from seeing aisles and aisles of toys under one roof. Sadly this has all to come an end - for the moment at least. While KB Toys is planning to make a comeback, it remains to be seen how it will play out and if it even will work out.

I've been out over the past few months going to various Toys R Us and Bon-Ton stores in the region to get one last look before they are gone forever. The final Toys R Us that stopped at was the location in Erie, one of my two childhood Toys R Us stores. It truly was a bittersweet experience, yet also a very fitting way to say goodbye. 

As you will see in the pictures below, this Toys R Us location set up a wall of memories for customers to put up their experiences. Fellow Flickr user justinthedog, Youtuber WallieB26, and of course myself all left notes to say goodbye. Sadly, I was unable to find Justin's among the thousands of notes left. This understandably felt like the best way for me to end my Toys R Us journey. 

I don't think 'Get Well Soon' will work here....

Electronics mostly emptied out

Toys R Us bags

The way to leave your message

My goodbye note. I signed it using my Flickr username.

As mentioned, hopefully KB can make a successful comeback. Only time will tell how the toy industry will adjust.