Could this man be the answers to kids' prayers? We certainly hope so.
After a failed crowdfunding attempt to save Toys “R” Us, billionaire toy exec Isaac Larian didn't call it quits. In fact, he submitted a bid of $675 million so that he can buy 274 U.S. locations and continue to use the brand's name, according to CNN and The Los Angeles Times. But he didn't stop there—he also bid $215 for roughly 80 stores in Canada.
Perhaps this isn't the end after all.
"The liquidation of Toys “R” Us is going to have a long-term effect on the toy business. The industry will truly suffer," Larian said in a statement. "The prospect of bringing the Toys “R” Us experience to a new generation, my new grandson's generation, is enough to motivate me to SaveToys "R" Us."
Geoffrey, we're holding out hope!
For weeks, we'd been sobbing at the thought of losing our favorite go-to location. Now, perhaps Larian's efforts—in addition to help from banks and various investors—will chalk up the company's bankruptcy issue to a bad dream. The loss of Toys “R” Us would certainly change the way in which children grow up, so we're grateful that someone is looking to keep precious memories in tact.
What's even more exciting is that Larian envisions the store to be more of a destination for shoppers, not just a place to spend 20 minutes. "Imagine a mini Disneyland in each neighborhood," he said in a statement. Music to our ears! Let's hope all goes according to plan and we can stroll through the stuffed animal aisle once more.
These Toys “R” Us changes won't happen overnight, so in the meantime, take a swing at the best mini golf NYC has to offer, find the best things to do with kids in NYC or skip town and opt for one of these family weekend getaways.
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