Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration
Monday, May 21st, 2018 6:05AM CDT
Category: Company NewsPosted by: Qwan Views: 15,970
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Yes, it's back again folks. The Toys R Us saga continues, this time in Australia as the company's branch in that country enters voluntary administration. Last we heard, Australian Toys R Us stores would be continuing as normal despite the US branch shutting down, and up until now they've been chugging along, but it seems that's about to change.
According to the Financial Review, TRU Australia had been looking for a buyer, but the last bidder has recently withdrawn their offer and directors have chosen to enter voluntary administration by the firm McGrathNicol. This is how the Financial Review describes the Australian branch's dire financial straits:
For those Australian collectors wondering how this will affect purchasing from Toys R Us in the coming times, here's the rundown on what he have so far.
According to the Financial Review, TRU Australia had been looking for a buyer, but the last bidder has recently withdrawn their offer and directors have chosen to enter voluntary administration by the firm McGrathNicol. This is how the Financial Review describes the Australian branch's dire financial straits:
[...] the Australian business has racked up losses of more than $100 million over the last seven years and could not continue as a stand alone entity.
Toys 'R' Us Australia lost $7.6 million in 2017 on sales of $276.4 million and had net liabilities of $6 million, according to its latest accounts.
For those Australian collectors wondering how this will affect purchasing from Toys R Us in the coming times, here's the rundown on what he have so far.
- - Both Toys R Us and Babies R Us should continue operating while McGrathNicol "urgently explores options for a sale".
- Refunds will no longer be offered on sold items
- Gift cards and vouchers will be honoured, as long as customers spend an additional equivalent amount (i.e. to redeem a $50 gift card, a customer would need to purchase $100 worth of product).
- Online orders will be delivered, provided the order has been fully paid for and the stock is available.
Credit(s): Financial Review
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Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960643)
Posted by ZeroWolf on May 21st, 2018 @ 6:50am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on May 21st, 2018 @ 6:50am CDT
How sad to see a giants last few breaths. So the question I now wonder is, what was done differently with the likes of the Canadian branch that allowed it to weather the same storm that took everything else. I would have thought that all the different branches would have faced the same problems.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960646)
Posted by dragons on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:11am CDT
Posted by dragons on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:11am CDT
Wow never saw toysrus located inside mall smallest ToysRus i saw I’m surprised there was no good news for that part of country of toysrus to many drop outs wander what’s making them do so
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960647)
Posted by Aimless Misfire on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:11am CDT
Posted by Aimless Misfire on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:11am CDT
I live in America unfortunately & I only have 1 Walmart close by. And that store is the biggest joke that never restocks Transformers. So I know what it's like, makes you want to quit & say to hell with it. No stores around & online is nothing but a ridiculously over priced scalper hell. 
I still can't find 1 freakin Cyber Battalion Shockwave. It's friggin ridiculous!
I still can't find 1 freakin Cyber Battalion Shockwave. It's friggin ridiculous!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960651)
Posted by Qwan on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:32am CDT
I've actually been to this particular Toys R Us! (I chose it for the picture as kind of a tribute to "my" TRU.) Surprisingly, it's just as big inside as any other Toys R Us stores I've been to, despite being technically inside a mall. Honestly, I'll be sad to see it go, if the whole branch does end up closing down fully...
Posted by Qwan on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:32am CDT
dragons wrote:Wow never saw toysrus located inside mall smallest ToysRus i saw I’m surprised there was no good news for that part of country of toysrus to many drop outs wander what’s making them do so
I've actually been to this particular Toys R Us! (I chose it for the picture as kind of a tribute to "my" TRU.) Surprisingly, it's just as big inside as any other Toys R Us stores I've been to, despite being technically inside a mall. Honestly, I'll be sad to see it go, if the whole branch does end up closing down fully...
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960659)
Posted by Rated X on May 21st, 2018 @ 8:38am CDT
Posted by Rated X on May 21st, 2018 @ 8:38am CDT
Domino effect...
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960689)
Posted by Editor on May 21st, 2018 @ 11:09am CDT
Basically, different laws and internal inventory management.
Had the American division been able to leverage the Canadian, to load it up with unsustainable debt loads for short term profits it likely would have, but different regulations stopped that from happening. This ment the Canadian division ran itself as a leaner operation. The more the US side struggled, the more the Canadian side looked to protect itself.
Stores would operate with lower stock levels than American ones, depending on weekly restocks instead of fully stocked back rooms, as well as other means to keep operational costs lower. All in all, moves that kept it in the black and financially stronger. The financial protection the Canadian division entered last year was just protective, to ensure suppliers shorted by the American division couldn't place undue pressure, (demands for payment of US orders/short shipping Canadian stock for leverage) that would undermine the ability to operate independently.
Posted by Editor on May 21st, 2018 @ 11:09am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:So the question I now wonder is, what was done differently with the likes of the Canadian branch that allowed it to weather the same storm that took everything else.
Basically, different laws and internal inventory management.
Had the American division been able to leverage the Canadian, to load it up with unsustainable debt loads for short term profits it likely would have, but different regulations stopped that from happening. This ment the Canadian division ran itself as a leaner operation. The more the US side struggled, the more the Canadian side looked to protect itself.
Stores would operate with lower stock levels than American ones, depending on weekly restocks instead of fully stocked back rooms, as well as other means to keep operational costs lower. All in all, moves that kept it in the black and financially stronger. The financial protection the Canadian division entered last year was just protective, to ensure suppliers shorted by the American division couldn't place undue pressure, (demands for payment of US orders/short shipping Canadian stock for leverage) that would undermine the ability to operate independently.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960692)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on May 21st, 2018 @ 11:13am CDT
Not quite sure how it is in Australia, but in Canada, Toys R' Us doesn't really have much in the way of competition. Walmart has only a small toy section, Real Canadian Superstore doesn't have much in the way of a toy section anymore. Other places you'd find toys are drug stores or comic/collectable stores. So Toys R' Us is still pretty busy. When I went down there last Thursday the poor cashier was run ragged with how busy it had been that day!
I don't think it's so much something they actively did, as much as it is the retail environment that they're part of that contributes to them sticking around up here. Of course, I could be way off.
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on May 21st, 2018 @ 11:13am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:How sad to see a giants last few breaths. So the question I now wonder is, what was done differently with the likes of the Canadian branch that allowed it to weather the same storm that took everything else. I would have thought that all the different branches would have faced the same problems.
Not quite sure how it is in Australia, but in Canada, Toys R' Us doesn't really have much in the way of competition. Walmart has only a small toy section, Real Canadian Superstore doesn't have much in the way of a toy section anymore. Other places you'd find toys are drug stores or comic/collectable stores. So Toys R' Us is still pretty busy. When I went down there last Thursday the poor cashier was run ragged with how busy it had been that day!
I don't think it's so much something they actively did, as much as it is the retail environment that they're part of that contributes to them sticking around up here. Of course, I could be way off.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960709)
Posted by Galactic Prime on May 21st, 2018 @ 12:18pm CDT
Posted by Galactic Prime on May 21st, 2018 @ 12:18pm CDT
It was explained earlier what the Canadian side. It's managed better, it runs a better operation and there's no competition for them here in Canada.
We have TRU and Walmart, that's it and Walmart is horrible for stock.
We have TRU and Walmart, that's it and Walmart is horrible for stock.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960782)
Posted by Burn on May 21st, 2018 @ 5:07pm CDT
Posted by Burn on May 21st, 2018 @ 5:07pm CDT
What's disappointing is that while TRU AU has plenty of competition in terms of toys (Target, K-Mart, Big W, Myer and on a smaller scale, Toyworld), from a Transformers perspective K-Mart and Target have recently raised their prices to match TRU AU, which means they were all mostly on par.
TRU also has the better distribution with all stores Australia wide receiving their stock at the same time, while the others slowly trickle out around the country.
Plus there's the Takara Tomy stuff ...
TRU also has the better distribution with all stores Australia wide receiving their stock at the same time, while the others slowly trickle out around the country.
Plus there's the Takara Tomy stuff ...
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960814)
Posted by Qwan on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:30pm CDT
Pretty much this. Toys R Us AU, through absolutely no effort of their own, has somehow managed to end up on par with other retailers price-wise since the start of PotP (in the worst possible way, mind you). And since their management of actual stock is a bit better overall, they're kind of the most reliable option for new Transformers right now, unless you want to gamble on figures coming to a local branch of the lower-priced but less reliable Big W.
My nearby TRU doesn't have any Takara stuff, but I have seen it around in other ones. Ranging from Unite Warriors Superion to MP Road Rage and Star Saber, TRU AU can be a really good place to get Transformers! ...Or I guess, will have been a really good place to get Transformers.
Posted by Qwan on May 21st, 2018 @ 7:30pm CDT
Burn wrote:What's disappointing is that while TRU AU has plenty of competition in terms of toys (Target, K-Mart, Big W, Myer and on a smaller scale, Toyworld), from a Transformers perspective K-Mart and Target have recently raised their prices to match TRU AU, which means they were all mostly on par.
TRU also has the better distribution with all stores Australia wide receiving their stock at the same time, while the others slowly trickle out around the country.
Plus there's the Takara Tomy stuff ...
Pretty much this. Toys R Us AU, through absolutely no effort of their own, has somehow managed to end up on par with other retailers price-wise since the start of PotP (in the worst possible way, mind you). And since their management of actual stock is a bit better overall, they're kind of the most reliable option for new Transformers right now, unless you want to gamble on figures coming to a local branch of the lower-priced but less reliable Big W.
My nearby TRU doesn't have any Takara stuff, but I have seen it around in other ones. Ranging from Unite Warriors Superion to MP Road Rage and Star Saber, TRU AU can be a really good place to get Transformers! ...Or I guess, will have been a really good place to get Transformers.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960835)
Posted by Burn on May 21st, 2018 @ 8:36pm CDT
Posted by Burn on May 21st, 2018 @ 8:36pm CDT
Before I went to the airport my trip to the Gold Coast on Friday, I ducked into Big W to see what they had (hoping for Wave 2) ... nothing new.
Once I got back and left the airport I headed to TRU in the hope they had Wave 2, but at the very least, knowing they'd be the place to help me get POTP Rodimus Prime, and I knew they had 20% off that weekend.
And as expected, they helped me secure Rodimus Prime (with 20% off), no wave 2 but that's not surprising as they've been located more often at K-Mart.
As someone who lives in a regional area and can often wait four weeks or more before figures reach me (after being spotted in metropolitan areas), I could always rely on TRU to have stock, sure, they were always more expensive, but at least they could be relied upon and they had more sales than the major departments stores.
Once I got back and left the airport I headed to TRU in the hope they had Wave 2, but at the very least, knowing they'd be the place to help me get POTP Rodimus Prime, and I knew they had 20% off that weekend.
And as expected, they helped me secure Rodimus Prime (with 20% off), no wave 2 but that's not surprising as they've been located more often at K-Mart.
As someone who lives in a regional area and can often wait four weeks or more before figures reach me (after being spotted in metropolitan areas), I could always rely on TRU to have stock, sure, they were always more expensive, but at least they could be relied upon and they had more sales than the major departments stores.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1960846)
Posted by Qwan on May 21st, 2018 @ 9:19pm CDT
Posted by Qwan on May 21st, 2018 @ 9:19pm CDT
At the very least, TRU has recently been where I secure every new non-Deluxe figure, since the prices are basically the same across the board for all other size classes. I've only been metropolitan myself since February this year, but even just in those three months, of the seven Transformers I've bought over half have been from TRU. Battleslash boys? Only place I've ever seen 'em. Jazz and Dreadwing? There was a sale a while ago and they were $30, not ideal but still on par with the cheapest other stores. I'm planning to go out and look for Wave 2 in the next couple days, but honestly I'm probably only going to check TRU.
Hopefully, an emergency sale for TRU AU does end up happening, and the company doesn't collapse entirely. But if worst comes to worst, maybe it'll mean I can pick up some Studio Series at one of the famous Australian "Everything must go! Up to 20% off!" discounts.
Hopefully, an emergency sale for TRU AU does end up happening, and the company doesn't collapse entirely. But if worst comes to worst, maybe it'll mean I can pick up some Studio Series at one of the famous Australian "Everything must go! Up to 20% off!" discounts.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962609)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 1st, 2018 @ 2:03pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 1st, 2018 @ 2:03pm CDT
It's now done deal and official. Toys R Us is now 100% CANADIAN:
http://email.toysrus.ca/H/v200000163bc5 ... faecf28314
http://email.toysrus.ca/H/v200000163bc5 ... faecf28314
June 1, 2018
To Our Valued Canadian Customers:
TOYS“R”US CANADA-WE ARE OFFICIALLY HERE TO PLAY AND HERE TO STAY!
Toys"R"Us (Canada) Ltd. announces the completion of the acquisition of its business by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. Toys R Us Canada is now a proudly Canadian-owned and operated business employing more than 4,000 Canadians and Canada’s only exclusive coast to coast business with over 80 locations dedicated to kids and babies across Canada.
As Canada’s leading toy and baby retailer, we are thrilled to be part of the Fairfax family and to now operate as a reinvigorated company that is 100% Canadian. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our valued customers for their loyalty with us over the last several months. We are passionate about our business and want Canadians to know that we are champions of play with the newest trends and hottest toys in our stores. We believe that parenting is an adventure and Babies“R”Us Canada will be there along the journey to help parents.
Over the next few months, we will roll out exciting new innovations that have proven successful at our Langley, British Columbia and our South Barrie, Ontario stores including dedicated play areas, interactive stations for kids and mobile pay. Beginning this month, we are delighted to host 10 Starlight Dashes across Canada in which seriously ill children from the Starlight Children’s Foundation will have three minutes to race around the store and fill their carts with toys.
This summer, we will be moving full steam ahead across Canadian communities with the message that we’re here to play, here to stay! At Toys“R”Us we believe that moments of joy, endless possibilities of fun and the wonder of imagination all happen through play. We will be challenging kids, parents, grand-givers and kids at heart to embrace the power of play. Look for play events at your local store. All customer programs like Baby Registry, “R”Club™ loyalty and wish list are running just as customers know and love. Gift cards purchased in Canada can be redeemed anytime online and in any store location across the country.
Thank you for choosing to shop at Toys“R”Us Canada and Babies“R”Us Canada! We are excited about our future and look forward to inviting you back to see what’s new with us. Visit www.toysrus.ca and www.babiesrus.ca for exciting announcements and new events happening throughout the summer.
Melanie Teed-Murch, President
Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us Canada
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962610)
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 1st, 2018 @ 2:07pm CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 1st, 2018 @ 2:07pm CDT
Lucky you 
seriously though at least it's nice to hear good things associated with the name now.
seriously though at least it's nice to hear good things associated with the name now.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962611)
Posted by william-james88 on June 1st, 2018 @ 2:27pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on June 1st, 2018 @ 2:27pm CDT
Toysrus Canada is 100% Canadian, but there is still toysrus elsewhere in the world. What I find ery bizarre is that I recieved this e-mail from toysrus last month.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962617)
Posted by Galactic Prime on June 1st, 2018 @ 4:10pm CDT
Not the same email, same subject line. The one a month ago was announcing the purchase, the one today was stating it went through successfully.
Posted by Galactic Prime on June 1st, 2018 @ 4:10pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Toysrus Canada is 100% Canadian, but there is still toysrus elsewhere in the world. What I find ery bizarre is that I recieved this e-mail from toysrus last month.
Not the same email, same subject line. The one a month ago was announcing the purchase, the one today was stating it went through successfully.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962637)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 1st, 2018 @ 7:39pm CDT
That's why it's the END of the Canadian saga.
As for the rest of the world, "to be continued" I guess.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 1st, 2018 @ 7:39pm CDT
Galactic Prime wrote:william-james88 wrote:Toysrus Canada is 100% Canadian, but there is still toysrus elsewhere in the world. What I find ery bizarre is that I recieved this e-mail from toysrus last month.
Not the same email, same subject line. The one a month ago was announcing the purchase, the one today was stating it went through successfully.
That's why it's the END of the Canadian saga.
As for the rest of the world, "to be continued" I guess.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962838)
Posted by william-james88 on June 3rd, 2018 @ 1:21pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on June 3rd, 2018 @ 1:21pm CDT
We knew that Fairfax Financial had won the bidding for Toysrus Canada and now all the documents have been signed and Toysrus Canada is now fully owned by Fairfax. The later being a Canadian company means that Toysrus Canada is now 100% Canadian with no ties to the US, which is quite a twist since it started as a subsidiary of what was once a prominent American business. Now, simply due to the fact that competition was limited in Canada for toys of any kind (with a tough barrier of entry for any potential competition due to Canada's ridiculously low population density), Toysrus Canada has always been profitable. But all along, its earnings were going to the US parent so there was no chance for reinvesting in the Canadian business. But that is over now, so we can simply imagine how this company which was already great will now have an influx of cash for reinvesting and improving.
Toysrus Canada aims to reinforce the fact that they are sticking around and to do so, they are offering events every week-end in June with free 5$ giftcards to anyone who shows up, along with free gifts like lego kits you can build in the store and take home with you. Plus, if kids bring in their report card on the last Saturday of June, they get a gift.
These are all shown in the image below and more details can be found here.
Along with that, we have a message from the Toysrus Canada president, Melanie Teed-Murch, about Toysrus Canada beig here to stay followed by a statement from Prem Watsa, CEO of Fairfax, which gives a quick look at the business figures that went into his company's decision to buy Toysrus. However, all this joy on the Canadian side is inverted when looking at the US where the Toysrus head office is also being cleared with everything on sale, including Geoffrey
Message from Toysrus Canada President:
Statement from Fairfax CEO:
Toysrus Canada aims to reinforce the fact that they are sticking around and to do so, they are offering events every week-end in June with free 5$ giftcards to anyone who shows up, along with free gifts like lego kits you can build in the store and take home with you. Plus, if kids bring in their report card on the last Saturday of June, they get a gift.
These are all shown in the image below and more details can be found here.
Along with that, we have a message from the Toysrus Canada president, Melanie Teed-Murch, about Toysrus Canada beig here to stay followed by a statement from Prem Watsa, CEO of Fairfax, which gives a quick look at the business figures that went into his company's decision to buy Toysrus. However, all this joy on the Canadian side is inverted when looking at the US where the Toysrus head office is also being cleared with everything on sale, including Geoffrey
Message from Toysrus Canada President:
TORONTO (June 1, 2018) – Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd. announces the completion of the previously announced acquisition of its business by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. As a result of the acquisition, Toys R Us Canada is now a proudly Canadian-owned and operated business employing more than 4,000 Canadians and Canada’s only exclusive coast to coast business with over 80 locations dedicated to kids and babies across Canada.
“As Canada’s leading toy and baby retailer, we are thrilled to be part of the Fairfax family and to now operate as a reinvigorated company that is 100% Canadian,” said Melanie Teed-Murch, President of Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us Canada. “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our customers for their loyalty and for choosing to shop at Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us. We are passionate about our business and want Canadians to know that we are champions of play with the newest trends and hottest toys in our stores. We believe that parenting is an adventure and Babies “R” Us Canada will be there along the journey to help parents. We are also excited about our future and look forward to inviting customers back to see what’s new in store.”
This summer, Toys “R” Us will be moving full steam ahead in getting the message to Canadians that we’re here to play, here to stay! “We will be challenging kids, parents, grand-givers and kids at heart to embrace the power of play. At Toys “R” Us, we believe that moments of joy, endless possibilities of fun and the wonder of imagination all happen through play,” said Teed-Murch.
The company also remains committed to its philanthropic initiatives and its support of communities across Canada. Each year, the company raises nearly $2 million to support its partners through the generous support of its customers and team members. Beginning this month, Toys “R” Us will host 10 Starlight Dashes across Canada in which seriously ill children from the Starlight Children’s Foundation will have three minutes to race around the store and fill their carts with toys.
All customer programs like Baby Registry, “R”Club™ loyalty and wish list are running just as customers know and love. Gift cards purchased in Canada can be redeemed anytime online and in any store location across the country. In the coming months, the company will roll out exciting new innovations that have proven successful at recently opened stores in Langley, British Columbia and Barrie, Ontario. This format includes dedicated play areas, interactive stations for kids and mobile pay. The evolving omnichannel strategy connects customers wherever, whenever and however they want through our webstore, mobile and store shopping experience.
Visit www.toysrus.ca and www.babiesrus.ca for exciting announcements and new events happening throughout the summer.
Statement from Fairfax CEO:
“Toys “R” Us has a 34-year track record of standalone profitability in Canada (over the last three years, revenue has exceeded C$1 billion annually and, for the last nine years, EBITDA has exceeded C$100 million annually). With over two decades working in Canada for Toys “R” Us, Melanie has the experience necessary to lead the dedicated employees of Toys “R” Us for the benefit of all stakeholders, kids, families and communities across Canada,” said Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax. “We look forward to building for the long-term and allowing the Toys “R” Us team in Canada to re-invest in the business, instead of the past history of just sending earnings to the U.S.”
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962839)
Posted by Munkky on June 3rd, 2018 @ 1:32pm CDT
Posted by Munkky on June 3rd, 2018 @ 1:32pm CDT
Well it's good to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'll miss my UK stores, but I wish all the best for Toys R Us Canada and hope they continue to do well.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962843)
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 3rd, 2018 @ 1:44pm CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 3rd, 2018 @ 1:44pm CDT
Maybe one day the canada will seek to branch out once again, and revisit the uk but with proper fiscal planning and good ideas...that is unless Symths conquers the toy world
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1962890)
Posted by Absolute Zero on June 3rd, 2018 @ 7:35pm CDT
Posted by Absolute Zero on June 3rd, 2018 @ 7:35pm CDT
I would rather they offered me a place to work since my store is closing.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1965744)
Posted by Qwan on June 20th, 2018 @ 4:16am CDT
Posted by Qwan on June 20th, 2018 @ 4:16am CDT
Just when you though it was safe to go back in the toy store... Following on from last month's development where Toys R Us Australia entered administration and was looking for an urgent sale, it would appear that the company was unable to find any such thing and will soon be shutting down entirely.
According to SBS News, all potential buyers have pulled out and the failing company has no other choice at this point. Many of the previous statements applicable to consumers still stand, but now with an ending date. Items of note include:
Toys R Us Australia is expected to shut down entirely "in the coming weeks", but there's no word yet on when exactly that will be. Rest assured we'll let you know once that information is shared. For now check out our story on Toys R Us Canada's success if you want a more optimistic spin, and as always, share your feelings on this development in the Energon Pub forums. And of course, keep an eye on Seibertron.com for all future updates to this ongoing saga.
According to SBS News, all potential buyers have pulled out and the failing company has no other choice at this point. Many of the previous statements applicable to consumers still stand, but now with an ending date. Items of note include:
- - Gift cards and vouchers continue to be accepted, as long as customers spend an additional equivalent amount (i.e. to redeem a $50 gift card, a customer would need to purchase $100 worth of product). This will be true up until July 5th.
- Online orders will be delivered, provided the order has been fully paid for and the stock is available. The online ordering system will be closing June 22nd.
- Lay-bys will be honoured until July 5th.
- Workers are expected to "receive all their entitlements from the proceeds of the liquidation and asset sales".
Toys R Us Australia is expected to shut down entirely "in the coming weeks", but there's no word yet on when exactly that will be. Rest assured we'll let you know once that information is shared. For now check out our story on Toys R Us Canada's success if you want a more optimistic spin, and as always, share your feelings on this development in the Energon Pub forums. And of course, keep an eye on Seibertron.com for all future updates to this ongoing saga.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1965790)
Posted by Nathaniel Prime on June 20th, 2018 @ 11:39am CDT
Posted by Nathaniel Prime on June 20th, 2018 @ 11:39am CDT
This is sad news for Australia, kids and collectors alike. I'm happy that TRU is still open and proud in Canada though. Hopefully that means more Masterpiece exclusives for you Canadian fans 
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1966330)
Posted by Qwan on June 23rd, 2018 @ 8:55pm CDT
Posted by Qwan on June 23rd, 2018 @ 8:55pm CDT
So this is how it ends... not with a bang, but with a small discount. Toys R Us Australia, which you may remember announced its definite closure earlier this week, has begun promoting their 'Closing Down Sale', with discounts "up to 30%" storewide (in stores only, considering the online ordering system is already shut down at this point).
What does this mean for Transformers collectors? Well, yours truly checked a nearby store and it appears that action figures (including Transformers) are marked down by 10%. Keep in mind that this appears to be a fixed discount, not an escalating sale like US shoppers experienced; according to all available information, this is simply a flat 10% off Transformers toys presumably until all stock has been cleared out or the company closes.
If anything changes we'll be sure to let you know, but as it stands now this seems to be Toys R Us Australia's last hurrah. Despite the gloomy subject, however, we still want to hear what you have to say: does this sale entice you in any way? Let us know by posting in the Energon Pub Forums, and stay tuned to Seibertron.com for more optimistic news in the future!
What does this mean for Transformers collectors? Well, yours truly checked a nearby store and it appears that action figures (including Transformers) are marked down by 10%. Keep in mind that this appears to be a fixed discount, not an escalating sale like US shoppers experienced; according to all available information, this is simply a flat 10% off Transformers toys presumably until all stock has been cleared out or the company closes.
If anything changes we'll be sure to let you know, but as it stands now this seems to be Toys R Us Australia's last hurrah. Despite the gloomy subject, however, we still want to hear what you have to say: does this sale entice you in any way? Let us know by posting in the Energon Pub Forums, and stay tuned to Seibertron.com for more optimistic news in the future!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1966334)
Posted by Qwan on June 23rd, 2018 @ 9:03pm CDT
Posted by Qwan on June 23rd, 2018 @ 9:03pm CDT
Well, if I may be permitted to answer my own question: no, this sale is not enticing to me in the least. Honestly, 10% off doesn't even bring Deluxes down to a competitive price - they're still $1.50 more expensive than Big W has them for! The exact same toys as every other chain, being sold for barely less (sometimes still more) than other, more easily accessible stores. Yeah, way to clearance, TRU. Irritating to the very end. 
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1966348)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 23rd, 2018 @ 10:39pm CDT
Nothing annoy me more than entering a store with a big huge sign claiming "BIG SALE! 30% 50% 90%!!!" Only to notice that the "regular" prices have been boosted by 60% 100% 180%.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 23rd, 2018 @ 10:39pm CDT
Qwan wrote:Well, if I may be permitted to answer my own question: no, this sale is not enticing to me in the least. Honestly, 10% off doesn't even bring Deluxes down to a competitive price - they're still $1.50 more expensive than Big W has them for! The exact same toys as every other chain, being sold for barely less (sometimes still more) than other, more easily accessible stores. Yeah, way to clearance, TRU. Irritating to the very end.
Nothing annoy me more than entering a store with a big huge sign claiming "BIG SALE! 30% 50% 90%!!!" Only to notice that the "regular" prices have been boosted by 60% 100% 180%.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1966349)
Posted by Burn on June 23rd, 2018 @ 10:41pm CDT
Posted by Burn on June 23rd, 2018 @ 10:41pm CDT
I walked in, took one look, decided I'd come back in a fortnight.
I don't see much TF stock moving in that time, the best I can hope for is a cheap Unite Warriors boxset.
I don't see much TF stock moving in that time, the best I can hope for is a cheap Unite Warriors boxset.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1966355)
Posted by Qwan on June 24th, 2018 @ 12:23am CDT
The fact you even have a Unite Warriors boxset to hope for makes me frankly jealous. The one here has literally nothing except PotP and Studio Series Wave 1, RiD Crash Combiners, and a couple TR Quakes and Brawns. I don't even know what they did with their TRU-exclusive or imported Transformers products. Fingers crossed that the "liquidation through existing stores" means we might see some interesting stuff get pushed out to various places, but somehow I doubt it...
I'm out of the city for a couple weeks as of tomorrow, so it's possible TRU might be fully closed before I get another chance to check it out again (if their liquidation moves faster than in the US). C'est la vie... it's harder to feel bad about losing them when their final goodbye is so pathetic.
Posted by Qwan on June 24th, 2018 @ 12:23am CDT
Burn wrote:I walked in, took one look, decided I'd come back in a fortnight.
I don't see much TF stock moving in that time, the best I can hope for is a cheap Unite Warriors boxset.
The fact you even have a Unite Warriors boxset to hope for makes me frankly jealous. The one here has literally nothing except PotP and Studio Series Wave 1, RiD Crash Combiners, and a couple TR Quakes and Brawns. I don't even know what they did with their TRU-exclusive or imported Transformers products. Fingers crossed that the "liquidation through existing stores" means we might see some interesting stuff get pushed out to various places, but somehow I doubt it...
I'm out of the city for a couple weeks as of tomorrow, so it's possible TRU might be fully closed before I get another chance to check it out again (if their liquidation moves faster than in the US). C'est la vie... it's harder to feel bad about losing them when their final goodbye is so pathetic.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1967353)
Posted by Qwan on June 28th, 2018 @ 6:30am CDT
Posted by Qwan on June 28th, 2018 @ 6:30am CDT
Good news, Seibertronians! For a given measure of "good", at least. It seems Toys R Us Australia is indeed following suit in its closing-down sale, and periodically increasing the discounts available much like its American counterpart.
The most recent update proclaims "Up To 40%" off items storewide, which for Transformers collectors translates to a 15% discount on action figures (up from the previous 10%). This brings all Transformers prices down to a competitive amount compared to other Australian stores, though for Deluxe and Leader figures the currently-running Big W sale is still a better deal for now.
There's still no indication whether or not the sale amount will keep increasing over the coming weeks, but rest assured we at Seibertron.com will update you if and when that does occur! In the meantime, share your thoughts (or any tips for fellow collectors) in the Energon Pub Forums, and stay tuned for any other Transformers news!
The most recent update proclaims "Up To 40%" off items storewide, which for Transformers collectors translates to a 15% discount on action figures (up from the previous 10%). This brings all Transformers prices down to a competitive amount compared to other Australian stores, though for Deluxe and Leader figures the currently-running Big W sale is still a better deal for now.
There's still no indication whether or not the sale amount will keep increasing over the coming weeks, but rest assured we at Seibertron.com will update you if and when that does occur! In the meantime, share your thoughts (or any tips for fellow collectors) in the Energon Pub Forums, and stay tuned for any other Transformers news!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1967357)
Posted by kurthy on June 28th, 2018 @ 7:02am CDT
Posted by kurthy on June 28th, 2018 @ 7:02am CDT
This seems to be moving faster than the U.S. sales.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1967374)
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 28th, 2018 @ 9:29am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on June 28th, 2018 @ 9:29am CDT
By the end of the tru near me, the highest we got off tfs were 20-25% but selection was so pitiful, it just wasn't worth it in the end
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1967878)
Posted by fenrir72 on July 1st, 2018 @ 3:08am CDT
Posted by fenrir72 on July 1st, 2018 @ 3:08am CDT
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1968751)
Posted by Qwan on July 5th, 2018 @ 12:33am CDT
Posted by Qwan on July 5th, 2018 @ 12:33am CDT
It's said that every cloud has a silver lining, but on this particular occasion it seems there are multiple silver linings to celebrate! Toys R Us Australia, as part of its own drawn-out death throes, seems to have yielded a few items of interest over the last few days.
The first and most widely-applicable is yet another increase to Toys R Us' closing-down sales. The chain now boasts "20-40% off" store-wide, and while there's no certain word on what the discount is for action figures (and thus Transformers), the pattern so far suggests that they will be riding the bare minimum of 20% off. Even so, this is a decent discount, made even more appealing given the other items of news we have to share on this topic.
Indeed, it seems that Toys R Us Australia, in the process of pushing out their stock to be liquidated, has yielded two final figures for the Australian collecting market to enjoy. As Ozformers users Caminus Prime and Handsprime shared, it seems that Masterpiece Movie Barricade and Studio Series Thundercracker are both appearing at Toys R Us stores around the country! It's not yet clear if they will be making their way to all Toys R Us locations or just those near warehouses, but for any Australians who are interested in these two previously-unsighted-down-under figures, it might be a good idea to at least check a nearby store. It's also confirmed that the universal Transformers/Action Figure discount applies to these two as well.
So, Seibertronians, does this sudden slew of relatively good news raise your spirits on the whole Toys R Us Australia subject? Share your thoughts and feelings on the Energon Pub Forums, and stay tuned to Seibertron.com for ever more Transformers news delivered straight to your screen!
The first and most widely-applicable is yet another increase to Toys R Us' closing-down sales. The chain now boasts "20-40% off" store-wide, and while there's no certain word on what the discount is for action figures (and thus Transformers), the pattern so far suggests that they will be riding the bare minimum of 20% off. Even so, this is a decent discount, made even more appealing given the other items of news we have to share on this topic.
Indeed, it seems that Toys R Us Australia, in the process of pushing out their stock to be liquidated, has yielded two final figures for the Australian collecting market to enjoy. As Ozformers users Caminus Prime and Handsprime shared, it seems that Masterpiece Movie Barricade and Studio Series Thundercracker are both appearing at Toys R Us stores around the country! It's not yet clear if they will be making their way to all Toys R Us locations or just those near warehouses, but for any Australians who are interested in these two previously-unsighted-down-under figures, it might be a good idea to at least check a nearby store. It's also confirmed that the universal Transformers/Action Figure discount applies to these two as well.
So, Seibertronians, does this sudden slew of relatively good news raise your spirits on the whole Toys R Us Australia subject? Share your thoughts and feelings on the Energon Pub Forums, and stay tuned to Seibertron.com for ever more Transformers news delivered straight to your screen!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1970566)
Posted by Va'al on July 12th, 2018 @ 11:25am CDT
Posted by Va'al on July 12th, 2018 @ 11:25am CDT
There are even bigger sales incoming for the closure of the Australian branches of now closed down storechain Toys'R'Us, as the 20-40% reductions we previously reported on has gone up to 30-50% store wide (note: only available in physical stores, cannot be redeemed online)!
This also means that those recent sightings of wave 3 and wave 2 resurfacing for Power of the Primes may come in handy after all, if you can make it to a store this month. If you do so, make sure to share with other local fans your finds, and happy hunting!
This also means that those recent sightings of wave 3 and wave 2 resurfacing for Power of the Primes may come in handy after all, if you can make it to a store this month. If you do so, make sure to share with other local fans your finds, and happy hunting!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1974446)
Posted by Qwan on July 27th, 2018 @ 5:29am CDT
Posted by Qwan on July 27th, 2018 @ 5:29am CDT
The date is July 26th, 2018; barely twenty-four hours ago. A final, heaving death-rattle escapes Toys R Us Australia. And that death-rattle is another increase to their closing down sales, boosting the minimum discount on toys up to a startling 50% off!
This means whatever Transformers are left on the shelves should be currently at half-price - MPM-5 Barricades should now sit at around $90, while Studio Series Thundercracker is priced at $25... if they're in stock at any given store, that is. It seems unlikely, given the urgent tone of the flier, that the discount will be increased any further at this point; but, then again, that chas seemed to be the case for the last few price-drops as well.
If you find yourself in the mood to do so, why not share your celebrations at this incredible (especially for Australia!) discount, and your eulogies for the once-titanic company, in the Energon Pub Forums? And of course, stay tuned to Seibertron.com for a wide variety of Transformers news, from sales to ciphers and everything in between!
This means whatever Transformers are left on the shelves should be currently at half-price - MPM-5 Barricades should now sit at around $90, while Studio Series Thundercracker is priced at $25... if they're in stock at any given store, that is. It seems unlikely, given the urgent tone of the flier, that the discount will be increased any further at this point; but, then again, that chas seemed to be the case for the last few price-drops as well.
If you find yourself in the mood to do so, why not share your celebrations at this incredible (especially for Australia!) discount, and your eulogies for the once-titanic company, in the Energon Pub Forums? And of course, stay tuned to Seibertron.com for a wide variety of Transformers news, from sales to ciphers and everything in between!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1974458)
Posted by Qwan on July 27th, 2018 @ 5:41am CDT
Posted by Qwan on July 27th, 2018 @ 5:41am CDT
Kinda bummed that I went and picked up an MPM Barricade and Studio Thundercracker on Saturday, just barely before the sale prices increased by a full 20%. Ah well, c'est la vie.
Perhaps tomorrow I shall make another trip after all - to buy another Barricade that I can re-sell and hopefully offset some of the cost; and to pick up another three Studio Thundercrackers. I'm going to have a squadron of Sweep-headed jets headed by a Cybertron Thundercracker homage, if it's the last thing I do!
Perhaps tomorrow I shall make another trip after all - to buy another Barricade that I can re-sell and hopefully offset some of the cost; and to pick up another three Studio Thundercrackers. I'm going to have a squadron of Sweep-headed jets headed by a Cybertron Thundercracker homage, if it's the last thing I do!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1974647)
Posted by RotorstormNZ on July 27th, 2018 @ 6:30pm CDT
Posted by RotorstormNZ on July 27th, 2018 @ 6:30pm CDT
Qwan, we New Zealand fans are highly envious - I don't think we ever had a single TRU branch anywhere!
Good luck grabbing some bargains!
Good luck grabbing some bargains!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1974654)
Posted by Qwan on July 27th, 2018 @ 7:44pm CDT
Thanks very much - seriously, if you want a Thundercracker or an MPM Barricade (and if there's still some there) I'm sure we can work something out!
Posted by Qwan on July 27th, 2018 @ 7:44pm CDT
RotorstormNZ wrote:Qwan, we New Zealand fans are highly envious - I don't think we ever had a single TRU branch anywhere!
Good luck grabbing some bargains!
Thanks very much - seriously, if you want a Thundercracker or an MPM Barricade (and if there's still some there) I'm sure we can work something out!
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1976711)
Posted by Burn on August 5th, 2018 @ 5:44pm CDT
Posted by Burn on August 5th, 2018 @ 5:44pm CDT
If anyone's curious, Toys 'R Us Australia is now officially closed with the last few stores closing over the weekend.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1976785)
Posted by X3ROhour on August 6th, 2018 @ 3:26am CDT
Posted by X3ROhour on August 6th, 2018 @ 3:26am CDT
its over
shes gone
forever...
*sigh*
i wanna be a toys r us kid
shes gone
forever...
*sigh*
i wanna be a toys r us kid
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1976792)
Posted by william-james88 on August 6th, 2018 @ 6:07am CDT
Move to Canada and you can still be one
Posted by william-james88 on August 6th, 2018 @ 6:07am CDT
Z3ROhour wrote:its over
shes gone
forever...
*sigh*
i wanna be a toys r us kid
Move to Canada and you can still be one
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1979852)
Posted by X3ROhour on August 22nd, 2018 @ 6:04am CDT
still spark-broken.
Posted by X3ROhour on August 22nd, 2018 @ 6:04am CDT
still spark-broken.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1980012)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on August 22nd, 2018 @ 6:02pm CDT
At the time I had stuff going on that was far more important but now it's really starting to sink in that they're gone and just how big a void there is.
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on August 22nd, 2018 @ 6:02pm CDT
Z3ROhour wrote::-(
still spark-broken.
At the time I had stuff going on that was far more important but now it's really starting to sink in that they're gone and just how big a void there is.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1980764)
Posted by Starscream is lord on August 26th, 2018 @ 4:01pm CDT
Posted by Starscream is lord on August 26th, 2018 @ 4:01pm CDT
Be so long since I been at TRU with my family.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1981388)
Posted by Ironhidensh on August 30th, 2018 @ 1:35pm CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on August 30th, 2018 @ 1:35pm CDT
Well, those fancy big ticket items you used to only be able to find at TRU are now at Target and Walmart, and for cheaper.
Other than that, the closing has had zero effect on me.
Other than that, the closing has had zero effect on me.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1981908)
Posted by X3ROhour on September 3rd, 2018 @ 11:03am CDT
Posted by X3ROhour on September 3rd, 2018 @ 11:03am CDT
i used to love just being there.
seeing all the toys and kids.
and helping someone out who seemed lost or overwhelmed.
helping a grandma find exactly what her grandson meant.
showing kids and parents where to find Rescue Bots,
when other figures were far too complex for their 4 year old.
just getting away from this idiot world
whether i got something
or not.
seeing all the toys and kids.
and helping someone out who seemed lost or overwhelmed.
helping a grandma find exactly what her grandson meant.
showing kids and parents where to find Rescue Bots,
when other figures were far too complex for their 4 year old.
just getting away from this idiot world
whether i got something
or not.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1987281)
Posted by WreckerJack on October 2nd, 2018 @ 9:46pm CDT
Posted by WreckerJack on October 2nd, 2018 @ 9:46pm CDT
Toys 'R' Us may make a return. According to IGN Toys 'R' Us has canceled it's bankruptcy auction. What this means is Toys 'R' Us is planning a revival of the brand. Toys 'R' Us closed their doors earlier this year in the US. The Wall Street Journal has the details of their plan which includes opening and operating in person stores. Things seem to be early in speculation for now so we can't draw too many conclusions just yet. We here at Seiberton will be crossing our fingers that things turn out. We will give you all of the details as they happen.
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1987287)
Posted by fruityrobo on October 2nd, 2018 @ 10:28pm CDT
Posted by fruityrobo on October 2nd, 2018 @ 10:28pm CDT
HA! they just wanted fame. perfect way to grab the public's attention
TRU wasn't doing well
TRU wasn't doing well
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1987290)
Posted by Decepticon Stryker on October 2nd, 2018 @ 10:38pm CDT
Posted by Decepticon Stryker on October 2nd, 2018 @ 10:38pm CDT
Ohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease 
Re: Toys R Us Australia Enters Administration (1987292)
Posted by william-james88 on October 2nd, 2018 @ 11:01pm CDT
I cannot stress how close to meaningless all this is. All they have is just a name they do not want to sell yet.
Also, seriously, do you anericans miss toysrus? Not the toysrus of your childhoods, i mean the store you could have walked into last year. Have your purchasing habits been affected in anyway since it closed?
All are welcomed to respond.
Posted by william-james88 on October 2nd, 2018 @ 11:01pm CDT
Decepticon Stryker wrote:Ohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease
I cannot stress how close to meaningless all this is. All they have is just a name they do not want to sell yet.
Also, seriously, do you anericans miss toysrus? Not the toysrus of your childhoods, i mean the store you could have walked into last year. Have your purchasing habits been affected in anyway since it closed?
All are welcomed to respond.
