Toys 'R' Us Canada is alive and well and looking to the future.
However, in the United States this is the last week of operation for all 735 of the iconic toy stores bringing a 71-year business to a close.
The company filed for bankruptcy, last fall, citing competition from online stores like Amazon and big chain stores.
President of Toys 'R' Us Canada Melanie Teed-Murch says no Canadian stores are closing. There are two stores in Barrie.
"We are now 100 per cent Canadian, owned by Fairfax Financial and we are open for business. We have 80 stores across the country which equals 4,000 jobs."
As for what makes Canadian stores profitable where American stores were not, Teed-Murch believes there are a few reasons.
"We really have always been the crown jewel of the corporation. We are quick to action and are always watching trends and we move with the pace of change in Canada. For instance we offer Wifi in all stores and use tablet assisted sales. About 10 per cent of our sales are online so that's a place we can grow"
The company is closely watching the tariffs recently put in place by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"I belong to the Retail Council of Canada and we are monitoring the tariffs and the discussion on NAFTA (North American free trade agreement). Some segments of retail will obviously be impacted but we will try to navigate the waters. We hope people will shop local and shop Canadian especially in the current political environment."
Teed-Murch explains the company is embarking on a cross-country tour "to make sure customers know we are re-investing in service and children. Kids still like to touch, feel and experience the toys so we make sure there are lots of little places for them to engage in the store."
