Goodbye, Geoffrey: Toys R Us in Wilmington has closed

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s the end of an era here in Wilmington.

The Toys R Us on Oleander Drive has closed their doors for good.

Those who stopped by the store for a last minute deal ended up disappointed. Early Thursday afternoon, an employee locked the door and put up signs reminding customers they were closed after three decades in the area.

For many people, nothing will ever replace Toys R Us.

“Well especially, you know, in Wilmington, there’s no other kids stores besides Learning Express or Target,” said shopper Nicole Zuber. “So, we’re pretty bummed that there’s not a store that we could go to, to get toys for kids.”

Other last minute shoppers said they saw nothing on the shelves through the window and when you call the location, the voicemail tells you they are officially closed.

Toys R Us filed for Chapter 11 reorganization last fall and pledged to stay open, but had poor sales during the critical holiday season as customers and vendors shied away. In January, it announced plans to close about 180 stores, but then in March it said it would liquidate the rest of the 700-plus stores.