Among Toys R Us’ 735 locations throughout the US, Burbank will soon be the next to lose the toy retailer. The retailer declared bankruptcy last month. Several residents who have a nostalgic attachment to the store are sad to see it go.
Toys R Us was a huge opportunity for entry-level positions and it provided people with the positions for many years. However, as it goes through the closing process, they continue to look for new employees to hire as cashiers, stock crew, and sales team members.
Burbank Residents Share Memories of Toys R Us
Luke Meadows, 27 who grew up in Burbank, had his first job working for the toy retailer during the Christmas season of 2008.
“I think fondly of my time there. I learned how to work in chaos. Christmas season was understandably intense,” said Meadows. “I remember seeing customers arguing over toys and learning how to handle conflict like that.”
When Luke was a child, he would frequent the store. He did this to engage with a community of other kids who enjoyed playing Pokemon.
“I feel its bittersweet to see the store go. It’s a place I used to go to Saturday mornings for their Pokémon league as a young child.”
Even Charities May Suffer
America Burke, 32, grew up with a single mother who worked for the Salvation Army. Every December, they would station in front of Toys R Us to collect donations.
“I was allowed to be with her during the morning shifts and I would help by asking for donations underneath the bright and happy lights of the Toys R Us sign,” said Burke. “My mother would naturally allow me to go inside the store to look at the toys if I promised to behave myself.”
Coming full circle, Burke visited the store for the first time since childhood and ran into a young girl collecting donations outside for the Salvation Army.
“I proceeded to go inside to purchase a few Christmas presents. When I came out, I walked directly to the little girl and handed her a few toys and treats and said, ‘Merry Christmas!’ and seeing her eyes light up and how happy she looked melted my heart.”
Burke was really upset to hear the closing. He has many more wonderful memories tied to this Toys R Us. He said that he will miss the memories dearly.
There are liquidation sales began from March 23. You are not too late, but soon, there will be no more Toys R Us’s in the states.
