Saskatchewan Residents Fondly Recall Toys 'R' Us Magic as Stores Face Closure
For generations of Saskatchewan children, Toys "R" Us represented more than just a retail outlet—it was a destination of wonder and imagination. As the iconic toy retailer undergoes significant closures across Canada, residents are reflecting on the cherished memories created within its aisles.
A Special Connection to Saskatoon's Downtown Store
Chelsea Gursky maintains a unique bond with the Toys "R" Us location in downtown Saskatoon that dates back to October 1992. At just five years old, Gursky was unexpectedly chosen by then-Mayor Henry Dayday to cut the ceremonial ribbon during the store's grand opening festivities.
"I remember feeling like the luckiest kid in the world that day, being chosen from the crowd," recalls Gursky, now 38. "That's a very core memory for me." The moment was captured by Saskatoon StarPhoenix photojournalist Gord Waldner, with her mother Eileen watching proudly nearby.
The Changing Landscape of Canadian Toy Retail
The national toy retailer has closed 57 locations across Canada in the past year, leaving only 22 stores still operational nationwide. Both Saskatoon and Regina locations remain open for now, but shelves are becoming increasingly bare as the company winds down operations.
In Regina, the Albert Street location has displayed a For Sale sign since at least November 2025, with online listings dating back to August of that year. A notice on the store's front window announces "This store is closing" with discounts of up to ten percent on remaining merchandise.
Personal Milestones and Family Traditions
Even after outgrowing her childhood favorites like Ninja Turtles and LEGO sets, Gursky continued to frequent the store throughout her adult life. The toy retailer played a significant role in major family milestones, including baby registries she created with her husband when expecting their three sons.
"When passing by on Saskatoon's Idylwyld Drive Freeway, I'll often remind my family that 'there's my store that I opened,'" Gursky shares. The establishment has remained a constant presence through different phases of her life, from childhood through motherhood.
Signs of an Impending Closure
During a January visit to the Saskatoon location with her eight-year-old son Blake, Gursky noticed troubling signs that suggested the store might be preparing to shut down. "The store was oddly empty. I'm like, please don't tell me this is one of the stores that is going to be closing," she remembers thinking during their shopping trip.
A notice posted at the front of the Saskatoon store indicates that existing gift cards could be used until February 16, while purchases made after February 3 would be considered final sales—clear indicators of a business in its final stages of operation.
A Community's Shared Experience
For many Saskatchewan residents, Toys "R" Us represented more than just another retail establishment. As Gursky eloquently describes, "It wasn't just an aisle or a few aisles. It was a kid's store. It was a kid's wonderland." This sentiment echoes throughout the province as communities prepare to say goodbye to what was once considered a magical destination for children and families alike.
The impending closures mark the end of an era for Canadian retail, particularly for those who grew up during the chain's heyday. As remaining locations prepare to shutter their doors, they take with them decades of memories that extended far beyond simple toy purchases to become integral parts of family traditions and childhood experiences.
