CLOSURE: Iconic toy store closes location in Toronto

An iconic chain of toy stores has just closed down a beloved location found in Toronto, the latest in a string of closures for the popular company.

Toys “R” Us has been a huge part of the childhoods of many kids in Ontario, but the chain of stores selling all kinds of toys for kids of a wide range of ages has slowly been shutting down some of their locations one by one.

This time, the closure of a local Toys “R” Us location is happening at a bustling little mall that’s become a cult favourite in the area over the years.

The Toys “R” Us at Dufferin Mall has sadly now shut down, and it’s the end of an era for regulars going to the mall, as well as kids and adults alike who have many memories of shopping at the location of the popular toy store.

The Canadian toy retailer closed dozens of locations during 2025, including two in Oakville and Burlington in the spring.

The location in Toronto’s Dufferin Mall had signs up that were spotted earlier this month, which told shoppers that Toys “R” Us would be closing down that location in January. Unfortunately for anyone who might have wanted to get in one last kids’ shopping spree at the store, posts on social media show the Toys “R” Us at Dufferin Mall has already closed.

“This is sad. So many childhood memories,” one Instagram user commented on a post by @buttonmachine.

There were around 40 Toys “R” Us closures in 2025. Mastermind Toys also terminated hundreds of employees as it was turned over to new ownership.

The company originated in the United States and can trace its roots all the way back to 1948. The company has been operating in Canada since 1984 and at one time they were considered the largest specialty retailer of toys and baby products in the whole entire country.

The company has operated independently from its American counterpart since 2018, which filed for bankruptcy and closed all of its U.S. stores. The American side has since tried to revive the Toys “R” Us brand, opening pop-up stores during the 2025 holiday season.

Twelve Canadian Toys “R” Us locations are also up for sale, according to the Edmonton Journal.

Locations of Toys “R” Us are still operating in Vaughan, Etobicoke, Brampton, Newmarket, Whitby, Hamilton, Guelph, St. Catharines, Kitchener, Barrie, Kingston, Sarnia and Ottawa. Many other Canadian locations should still be in business for now.