A landmark in Canadian retail history has officially closed its doors. The very first Toys “R” Us store in Canada, located at 150 West Drive in Brampton, welcomed its final customers on Sunday, bringing an end to a remarkable 42-year journey that shaped the childhood memories of millions of Canadians.
Opened in 1984, the Brampton location was the retailer’s first Canadian store and served as the foundation for the company’s nationwide expansion. More than just a toy store, it became a cherished destination where generations of families celebrated birthdays, prepared for Christmas, and created lifelong memories.
On its final day of operation, hundreds of shoppers visited the store—not simply to take advantage of liquidation sales, but to relive the nostalgia of their childhood. While most of the shelves stood nearly empty after weeks of clearance sales, the emotions inside the store were anything but.
Among those saying goodbye was Robbie Creighton, who worked at the store shortly after it first opened and is now nearing retirement.
“This was where I got my first job. It was exciting to work in a toy store when you were still a kid yourself. Back then, the idea of a huge store dedicated entirely to toys was something completely new. It’s sad to see it close,” he said.
Creighton recalled how Toys “R” Us transformed the way Canadian families shopped for toys. Before its arrival, parents typically depended on the toy departments of large department stores such as Eaton’s and Simpson’s, with many families travelling to downtown Toronto for holiday shopping.
Another longtime Brampton resident, Mary Rodrigues, returned to the store that had been part of both her childhood and later her own children’s lives.
“This place brings back so many wonderful memories. But times change,” she reflected.
Jimmy Singh, who immigrated to Canada from India and grew up in Brampton, said his first visit to Toys “R” Us was unforgettable.
“The first time I walked in, I felt like I had entered a fantasy world. I had never seen anything like it before,” he said. Looking around the nearly empty store on its final day, he added, “It’s heartbreaking to see it like this.”
As customers reminisced, employees spent their final shift assisting shoppers while facing uncertainty about their own futures. Some expressed hope that other Toys “R” Us locations across Ontario would continue operating and provide future employment opportunities.
The closure comes as Toys “R” Us Canada continues restructuring after filing for creditor protection earlier this year. Rising operating costs, increasing debt, inflation, and changing consumer shopping habits have forced the company to close several stores across the country.
Despite the restructuring, the Brampton location holds a special place in Canadian retail history. When it opened more than four decades ago, it introduced Canadians to a revolutionary shopping experience with enormous aisles dedicated exclusively to toys, bicycles, games, dolls, LEGO sets, action figures, and children’s entertainment.
In recent days, social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes from former employees and loyal customers, many recalling childhood visits, purchasing their first bicycle, hunting for the season’s hottest Christmas toy, or simply spending hours exploring the endless aisles with family.
For many Canadians, the closing of the Brampton store truly marks the end of an era. As the lights were turned off for the last time on Sunday evening, Brampton bid farewell not only to a beloved retail store but also to the birthplace of Toys “R” Us in Canada—a place that brought joy, imagination, and unforgettable memories to generations of children and families.