re: Brilliant article from Wafb/CBS about the horrible side effects of Toys R’ Us closing

The Amazon thing is an excuse. Tons of retail lines are being impacted by Amazon. They are all finding ways to make it work.

The two reasons R Us in trouble are:

1) The insane debt payments from the LBO
2) Crappy management, combined with the LBO debt, prevented them from making the changes necessary to get with the times so to speak.

WalMart, of all places, is figuring it out. Target is figuring it out. Dick's Sporting Goods is figuring it out. Best Buy is figuring it out.

Crappy run companies that make crappy decisions need to go out of business.

And the whining toy manufacturers are part of this too. Instead of making 38225 version of a damn Barbie doll, stick to a few products. Half the boxes at your average Toys R Us had dust on them. Little kids need a few varieties. Older kids are moving more to virtual toys, electronics, etc.

There's a place in the world for a toy store that is 1/2 to 1/3 the size of Toys R Us, if it's managed well, allows kids to try out the toys, has reasonable prices, and has a strong online / ship to store / order online pick up same day process.

The most frustrating thing on planet earth is going to a retail store these days. I’d say at least 50% of the time they don’t have the item or size you need, or if they do, the item is beat to shite.

Why waste gas and time going to the store when I can get the exact item I want in good condition, usually for cheaper, and with a minimal delay?

I’ve pretty much given up doing in store shopping unless it’s for a social event, something i need immediately, or I need to kill time.