I am a parent, a toy maker and a toy collector. The news that Toys 'R' Us may close all locations in the USA is extremely upsetting to me.
Toys 'R' Us is not going away simply because of poor business choices or a lack of desire for toys in 2018, but because of the deliberate greed of a group of investment companies (specifically Bain Capital Partners LLC, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Vornado Realty Trust), Toys 'R' Us is set to go away completely as they loaded it up with so much debt that it is impossible to pay it all back.
While all this was going on, it became the topic of discussion in group on Facebook where a friend of mine made a comment that inspired me to reply to it. My reply was going to be short and have a hint of Dr. Suess' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in it. Particularly the part near the end where the Grinch is angered at the fact the Whos down in Whoville are having Christmas without their presents, decorations and other items. What started out as a small reply, became a kind of short story between two imaginary people at Bains Capital. Below is what I wrote.
"The Jerk & the Flunky"
by Christopher A. Negri
Bains Capital Jerk: *sees reports of busy TRUs everywhere* "Wow, the public are even more like vultures then WE are! They are really taking advantage of those Going Out of Business sales."
Bains Capital Flunky: "Umm, sir. Those are the TRUs that have not begun liquidation yet."
BCJ: "They....they are shopping there now? Without deep discounts?? Without pushing or shoving???? I can not stand that, I really can not! They were not supposed to shop there anymore, not one bit, not a lot! We carefully planned for the end of all toys! No more fun birthdays, not for girls or for boys!"
BCF: "Maybe sir, if you forgive me to say, people love Toys R Us. They want it to stay. These people are families, kids both big and small, and despite your foul plans they still come, one and all."
BCJ: "What!" the man shouted "No, no no! I hate all toys, they all need to go! I took out Kay-Bee in years past and Toys 'R' Us is finally, FINALLY ending at last!"
The BCJ adjusted his hair, and straightened his tie, and the flunky stood there with a tear in his eye.
BCF: "Sir" he said firmly "there is more to this store then you are willing to see. The store will live on without you and me. Toys 'R' Us is more then a name, more then just a place to buy a toy or a game. It is a place were a child can have so much fun, and perhaps if they're good, leave with a toy when they're done. Yes you did pillage the company of all of it's wealth, but there is still value there that you can't have for yourself."
BCJ: "WHAT!?!" he roared, his voice echoing down the hall "There is NOTHING left, I have taken it ALL!!"
BCF: "Not exactly sir" the Flunky replied "the love for Toys R Us stores has not all died. Generations of children 60 years deep, are returning to shop DESPITE ofYOU, creep!"
BCJ: The Jerk balked, he was taken aback, how dare his underling give him such flak! "What did you say?" the Jerk said with a sneer "If you keep that up, you're out on your rear!"
BCF: The flunky stood up, wiped the tear from his eye, and approached his boss with no fear to die. "You listen to me", the Flunky said, his voice free of fear, his voice free of dread "I was a Toys R Us kid back in the day, and MY father took me there often to play. Now thirty years later, I take my own son there, where he can run with nary a care. But you value only money, and care not what you do to get even more, buddy! I don't want this job, you can have it, I quit! I can no longer stand in spite of this shi-"
BCJ: "Now you watch your tone! You are WAY out of line! You don't want to work here? You want to quit? FINE. There is the door, I presume you know the way, I want your desk packed by the end of the day!"
BCF: The Flunky walked past the Jerk while he sat down in his chair, who then took out a comb and re-parted his hair. "Many of us thought what you do here is fine, but what you did to this Toy Store, that's crossing the line. I would continue to work here, but in recent years it has started to confirm a lot of my fears. You are a despicable person sir for all that you did, but for me, I am still and will always be, a Toys 'R' Us Kid."
The Flunky walked out, while his boss' jaw hit the floor, and with a sigh of contentment, the Ex-Flunky quietly shut the door.
~The End~
Toys 'R' Us has a purpose for all of us, for parents and children it is a fun place to go and for those of us in the toy industry it is a place where new products can get the exposure they need to grow from a small idea, to a huge success. If Wal-Mart & Target become the only place to buy toys, that will severely impact the industry and all of the thousands of Americans who work in it.
I have seen toy stores fold up before, Kay-Bee Toys was most recent in 2009 with Child World closing up back in 1993. I remember going to both those stores, but my son who is due to turn 3 in two weeks will odds are never remember going into Toys 'R' Us with me and his mother. If all their stores close, by the time he is old enough to remember they won't be able to be a memory.
I have seen toy stores fold up before, Kay-Bee Toys was most recent in 2009 with Child World closing up back in 1993. I remember going to both those stores, but my son who is due to turn 3 in two weeks will odds are never remember going into Toys 'R' Us with me and his mother. If all their stores close, by the time he is old enough to remember they won't be able to be a memory.
If you are also upset about this, let your voice be heard. Spread this and the truth about what these horrible companies are taking from our children and our children's children.
