Toys R Us Canada closes five stores in Ontario, expands HMV and adds play spaces | The Express Tribune

Toys “R” Us Canada has announced the closure of five stores in Ontario and plans to revamp several others as part of its business optimization efforts.

The affected stores include locations in Argyle Mall in London, Steeles Avenue West in Thornhill, Hurontario Street in Mississauga, Marcus Drive in Sudbury, and Centennial Parkway North in Stoney Creek. The company did not disclose the number of job losses resulting from the closures.

In addition to the store closures, Toys “R” Us Canada will be adjusting its inventory levels to accommodate other store concepts.

Some locations will feature expanded, standalone HMV stores, a brand that first appeared within Toys “R” Us locations last year. HMV is also owned by Putman Investments, the parent company of Toys “R” Us.

Other stores will be remodeled to incorporate the Wonderlab concept, which includes indoor play structures, arts and crafts spaces, and sensory activities.

The Wonderlab has been successfully tested in Burlington, Ontario.