Babies ‘R’ Us to close

Babies “R” Us at 7841 Mentor Ave. is one of about 180 Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores in the country that is expected to close this year.

The store closures come after the company recently filed bankruptcy as part of its financial restructuring plan.

“The reinvention of our brands requires that we make tough decisions about our priorities and focus,” Toys “R” Us Chairman and CEO David Brandon said in a news release. “To that end and following a top-to-bottom assessment of our business, we have decided to close a number of our U.S. stores. We also intend to convert a number of locations into co-branded Toys “R” Us and

Babies “R” Us stores. The actions we are taking are necessary to give us the best chance to emerge from our bankruptcy proceedings as a more viable and competitive company that will provide the level of service and experience you should expect from a market leader.”

Brandon said store closing sales are expected to begin early February, with the majority of locations closing mid-April.

Meanwhile, Brandon said customers can still shop in stores in all major markets across the U.S. and the around the world and online at toysrus.com or babiesrus.com.

“While our store roster may be getting smaller, what is not changing is our desire and commitment to serving you,” he said.

Editor’s note: This article was modified at 1:50 p.m. Jan. 24 to correct which store Toys R Us is closing.

CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE/ERIE TIMES-NEWS VIA AP Jennifer Merva and her son Sebastian Merva, 4, leave Babies R Us Jan. 24 in Summit Township, Pa., after shopping for gifts for a baby shower. As part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, parent company Toys R Us announced on Jan. 24 that the...