Staples to host 300 in-store Toys 'R' Us sections by late 2027

Roughly 300 Staples Canada locations are expected to feature dedicated Toys “R” Us and Parties “R” Us sections by the end of 2027. The office supply chain announced on Tuesday that it has finalized a deal with Next Century Ipco Can ULC to revive the toy retailer inside its existing stores.

The partnership will begin with a pilot opening on Nov. 14 at a Staples store in Richmond Hill, Ont. Staples Canada said the new Parties “R” Us concept will carry balloons, seasonal items, and licensed party products. The company did not specify which toy brands or types of merchandise the new in-store shops will stock.

Next Century is an affiliate of Ad Populum, a U.S. firm that owns Party City and manages several toy companies. The U.S. group is also involved with Graceland, the Elvis Presley attraction in Tennessee. Next Century purchased 150 Toys “R” Us Canada trademarks earlier this year.

The acquisition took place when the previous owner, a retailer led by Ancaster, Ont.-based entrepreneur Doug Putman, filed for creditor protection. Putman stated that the company struggled with inflation, rising labor costs, supply chain issues, and a shift toward e-commerce. These problems coincided with lawsuits from landlords and suppliers.

Next Century secured the rights to the Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot, the brand jingle, and phrases such as “wish book,” “gotta get it deals,” and “play more .. spend less.” A numbered company run by Putman bought 10 store leases, the brand's inventory, equipment, logistics contracts, and bank accounts.

Lawyers representing Putman filed court documents stating he holds a license to use the Toys “R” Us name until Jan. 25, 2027. He hopes to extend that agreement or rebrand the business. The previous owner described the creditor protection steps as necessary to manage the company's financial pressures.