The iconic toy retailer Toys R Us is dramatically reducing its physical footprint in Quebec. Come January 5, all but a single store in the province will permanently shut their doors, leaving nostalgic shoppers and seekers of the unusual with one last brick-and-mortar destination.
The End of an Era for Quebec Toy Aisles
This mass closure signifies a major shift for the toy retail landscape in Quebec. For decades, Toys R Us has been a go-to destination for birthday gifts and holiday shopping sprees. The company confirmed that after the January deadline, the only remaining physical store in Quebec will be located in St-Bruno-de-Montarville. While many items will still be available for purchase online, the in-person experience of browsing aisles and discovering oddities will be largely gone.
Six Quirky Toys You'll Now Have to Hunt For
The closure poses a particular challenge for fans of eccentric and whimsical playthings. Here are six examples of the wonderfully weird toys that shoppers will need to source from other retailers once the Quebec stores close.
The Banana Toothbrush: Aimed at parents, this clever toy mimics the process of making baby food. It's a banana-shaped gum brush designed to encourage toothless infants to "brush" by watching an adult mash a real banana. Its instructions simply advise to "wash banana brush before using."
The Interactive Poop Pen: Catering to an older, potty-humor-loving crowd, this writing instrument features a toilet at the top with a suspicious brown substance oozing around the seat. Its interactive "push to reveal" function promises (or threatens) an extra layer of engagement.
WWE Thumb Wrestlers: Gone are the days of simple thumb wars. Now, you can equip your digits with rubber heads of professional wrestlers. The Superstars Twin Pack lets you stage epic battles right on your hands. For Quebec fans, there's even a chance to find a figure of Montreal's own Kevin Owens in the mystery packs.
Plush Pennywise: Yes, the terrifying clown from Stephen King's IT is available in a huggable, squeezable plush form. Toys R Us promoted its "premium materials and silly squeezability," though notably, the iconic red balloon is not included.
The Modern Furby: A classic source of nocturnal scares, the Furby has evolved. The newer models boast a more ferret-like shape while keeping their hard, uncuddly bodies and bright pastel colors. Veterans know these toys can activate unexpectedly, making them a potential source of midnight frights.
The Miniature Tape Measure: This tiny, foot-long tape measure allows children to mimic adults and learn a practical life lesson—including the sudden snap-back sensation if they forget to lock it. It's a tool for playful learning and minor, safe surprises.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Toy Shopping in Quebec
With the January 5 closure date fast approaching, Quebecers seeking a hands-on toy shopping experience will have to travel to the lone St-Bruno-de-Montarville location or turn to online marketplaces and other retailers. The disappearance of these stores marks the end of a chapter for family shopping in the province and sends collectors of the curious on a new hunt for the strange and wonderful toys that once filled those aisles.
