The problem of the Toys ‘R’ Us $36-million gift card mountain

Watch: There's still a possibility the toy chain could survive, but as for the gift cards, their days are numberedYou can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Toys “R” Us has been a giant in children’s playthings for decades, having opened its first Canadian store in 1984, but lately its finances have seen better days.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.The company is now trying to restructure as it faces tough competition from U.S. behemoths Walmart and Amazon.com Inc., which can offer cheaper toys with the convenience of home delivery.The chain plans to close more stores “to better position the company in today’s retail environment.”One of the most significant revelations so far in this restructuring is the value of unredeemed Toys “R” Us gift cards. Canadians are sitting on $36 million in toy store money.After closing 57 stores this past year, and with a website that is no longer taking orders, how much cash will Canadians be leaving on the table?• Email: dtrainer@postmedia.com Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4© 2026 Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can manage saved articles in your account.and save up to 100 articles!You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.