Regina Independent Toy Store to Close After Toys “R” Us Exit

A beloved independent toy store in Regina, Saskatchewan says it will close its doors next month, citing sustained challenges after the exit of Toys “R” Us from the local retail landscape and shifting consumer habits. Owners tell Global News that the loss of major anchor tenants and declining foot traffic at shopping areas where big-box toy stores once drew families have made it increasingly difficult to sustain profitable operations.

The store, which has served toy buyers in the city for many years, built a reputation for personalised service, unique products and local community engagement. “We’ve tried to adjust to changing times, but the retail environment has shifted dramatically,” one owner said, noting that when Toys “R” Us and similar mass retailers reduced their presence or closed outlets, it diminished the overall draw of the shopping district.

Retail experts say independent toy stores across Canada have been navigating a challenging market over the past decade, marked by e-commerce competition, big-box consolidation and changing consumer patterns that tilt traffic toward online and discount channels. Small toy retailers — once reliant on in-store discovery and seasonal spikes during holidays — often find it hard to compete on price and convenience, particularly when anchor stores that once helped draw shoppers shrink or disappear entirely.

The Regina toy shop’s closure comes as other local independents evaluate how to adapt through strategies such as online sales, pop-up events and niche product niches like collectible toys, board games and educational items. Some have found modest success carving out specialised market segments that do not directly compete with mass retailers, though those efforts require sustained investment and savvy digital marketing.

Customers and community members expressed sadness at the news, with some recalling shopping there as children and then returning years later with their own kids. “It’s more than a store — it was part of family traditions,” one longtime patron said.

The owners said they plan to hold a going-out sale before the final closing date to clear inventory and thank loyal customers. They also expressed gratitude for years of local support and hinted that they may explore future business ideas, though no specific plans have been announced.

Municipal officials, when reached, said they see the closure as reflective of broader trends facing independent retailers in mid-sized cities and emphasised ongoing efforts to bolster downtown and neighbourhood commercial districts through events, small-business incentives and market initiatives. Supporters of local retail say preserving unique shops contributes to community identity and economic diversity, even as retail giants and digital marketplaces dominate the sector.