The Rise and Fall of Toys R Us

Toys R Us was once a dominant player in the toy industry, controlling a large portion of the market with its extensive inventory and widespread stores. However, by the 2000s, the company faced significant challenges as competition intensified from giant retailers like Walmart and online marketplaces such as Amazon. The burden of a private equity buyout left the company with crippling debt, which contributed to its inability to adapt and ultimately led to its bankruptcy filing in 2017. This situation exemplified a broader trend within the retail sector, where many traditional retailers struggled to survive amidst the shifting landscape of consumer shopping habits.