BUSINESS

Operating a standalone toy store, even a large chain, comes with major challenges.Having spent two years as the general manager of Time Machine Hobby, one of the largest, if not the largest, independent toy store in the United States, I faced those challenges daily. The biggest issue is that Walmart and Target can sell toys at a lower margin as a way to entice people into their stores. In addition, their size, which dwarfs even the largest pure toy retailers, allows them to buy at lower prices than toy-only stores.At Time Machine, we fought those advantages with top-tier service, regular on-site play for various collectible card and miniature games, and offering differentiated products when possible.The former U.S. version of Toys R Us, which was liquidated after a 2017 bankruptcy, could not make needed pivots like these because a leveraged buyout sucked up all its cash.ALSO READ: Leveraged Buyouts and the Downfall of Toys R UsNow, after a comeback for the brand under a variety of owners, the Canadian operator of the Toys R Us brand has entered that country’s equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its future remains in serious doubt. (The chain, it should be noted, no longer has any connection to the original U.S. company or the U.S. company using that name now). Toys R Us Canada faces uncertain futureToys R Us Canada has sought creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. The company is evaluating strategic alternatives and undergoing restructuring initiatives, including closing stores, according to a Feb. 3 court filing. The filing works a lot like an American Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. In the court documents, the company explained its current operations and the market conditions it faces.”The Applicant has 22 store locations located in Canada. These stores, and the hundreds of employees who support them, continue to serve customers nationwide. However, persistent inflation, rising labour and occupancy costs, post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, and a structural shift toward e-commerce have materially weakened the performance of traditional bricks and mortar retailers,” the company shared.And, while it carries the familiar name, this chain is not a licensing deal. “Toys R Us, Babies R Us and HMV Canada are 100% owned and operated by an independent, proudly Canadian company — and have been since 2018,” the company shared on its website.Toys R Us Canada closes more storesThe Toys R Us website notes that the chain has shut down the sales part of its online operations. It also notes that it has stopped taking gift cards. In addition to those changes, the company shared some moves it will make as part of the bankruptcy-like process.”The Applicant has taken aggressive steps to reduce expenses, improve margins, and right size its retail footprint, including head office reductions, workforce optimization, closing of unprofitable stores, supplier negotiations, and the introduction of new revenue generating concepts,” Toys R Us Canada shared in its court filings.Toys R Us Canada owes $120 million to vendors and “substantial amounts” to its landlords, according to Retail Dive.  Now, it has plans to close some locations and put the remainder of the chain up for sale.”In new court documents, the chain says it’s notified the landlords at the St. Laurent Centre in Ottawa and Woodgate Plaza in St. John’s, Nfld. that its stores there will soon close,” Toronto’s City News reported.More Retail:Walmart fires OpenAI in playbook-changing moveCostco CEO just gave members a new reason to renewBath & Body Works makes big change customers will notice right awayThe filings show Toys “R” Us Canada will hand back both of those properties to landlords. It has already closed to two more locations at the Niagara Pen Centre in Ontario and in Vaudreuil Dorion, Que.”A judge gave the company permission last month to conduct liquidation sales at some of its remaining 22 stores. In the two years leading up to its creditor protection application, it closed 53 stores across Canada,” according to Coastal Reporter.According to Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc., appointed as Monitor of the business, Toys “R” Us Canada “has experienced a significant decline in revenue in recent years, primarily attributable to increased competition from online and big-box retailers and a broader reduction in consumer demand.” The Monitor’s report highlights that creditor protection under the CCAA was necessary to address these challenges and restructure the business while continuing operations. Details about the case can be found on the Monitor’s website, listed here.Toys R Us Canada closures & potential bankruptcyCreditor protection filing: Toys “R” Us Canada has filed under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), similar to Chapter 11 in the U.S., allowing the company to restructure, according to Retail Dive.Court approval: The Ontario Superior Court granted a stay of proceedings, appointed a monitor (Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc.), and allowed interim financing, reported Insolvency Insider.Past closures: More than 50 stores closed in the past two years; at least 38 shut down in 2025 alone, with 12 listed for sale, according to HCAMag and Retail Insider.Financial pressure: The company owes $120 million to vendors and faces multiple lawsuits from landlords and suppliers, according to Winnipeg City News.Market pressures: The retailer faced competition from Walmart, Amazon, and other mass merchants, as well as consumers shifting to online shopping, added HCAMag.Related: 78-year-old furniture chain closing all stores and liquidating

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealNow that the weather is starting to warm up, it’s time to make some changes in your home that will make it more comfortable. Fans to circulate air and lounge-worthy patio sets are perfect for enjoying those warmer spring days. But one swap that’s arguably the most important spring upgrade is your bedding. If you’re prone to overheating (and losing sleep) when the temperature starts to rise, chances are you already know how magical quilts can feel transitioning from winter to spring. And if you’re looking for a new set to add to your rotation, you’re in luck. We spotted an incredible deal on the Vcny Home Kaleidoscope 3-Piece Quilt Set, and it’s just $24 during Macy’s VIP Sale. With a regular price of $70, the three-piece set is 66% off, saving you $46 on what many consider a spring essential. The code is automatically applied to qualifying purchases; however, the sale is only available for a limited time until Sunday, Mar. 29.Vcny Home Kaleidoscope 3-Piece Quilt Set, $24 (was $70) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

Shop at Macy’sWhy do shoppers love it?Elevating your bedroom is as simple as swapping out your bedspread. If you want a lightweight option that’s spring-ready, this quilt set is the perfect option. It comes with three pieces, including a quilt and two matching standard shams. Each piece features a geometric pattern that offers texture and a touch of sophistication to your bed. The set is made of polyester, and shoppers say it’s soft and light. It’s a great transitional piece as the weather starts warming up, but there are still days with a chill in the air. It offers just the right amount of warmth without being too overbearing, which is exactly what you need to feel comfortable in spring weather. You can snag the quilt set in four colors, including gold, green, gray, and orange. It’s available in two sizes — full/queen and king — but the king size has already sold out in the gold colorway.Related: Macy’s has a ‘very soft’ $100 8-piece comforter set with ‘beach vibes’ on sale for just $40Pros and consProsLightweight feel: It’s very light, making it great for warm weather and hot sleepers.Elevated look: The geometric pattern looks intricate and sophisticated.Great value for the price: For three pieces, the $24 sale price is impressive.ConsInconsistent sizing: Some shoppers note that the king-size set was too small for a king bed.Thinner fabric: It’s a lightweight quilt set, so it’s not intended to be a replacement for a heavy comforter; however, it might not be a good fit for those who need extra warmth.”I like the vivid color and also the great quality material. I was looking for something light, not very heavy, and this is just perfect,” another Macy’s reviewer shared. “Also, they’re affordable and totally worth the price.”In regard to the feel, one reviewer who says they get hot at night said it’s nice and lighting, providing coverage without being too heavy. Others highlighted the design and color, saying it has an “elegant look” and the “color is amazing.”Shop more dealsSeventh Studio Seashell Reversible 3-Piece Quilt Set, $23 (was $60) at Macy’sIR Imperial Rooms 3-Piece Quilt Set, $23 (was $27) at AmazonExclusivo Mezcla 3-Piece Quilt Set, $28 (was $64) at WalmartGive your bedroom an upgrade with the Vcny Home Kaleidoscope 3-Piece Quilt Set, which is a lightweight set that’s great for hot sleepers and spring weather. With only days left of Macy’s VIP sale, the clock’s ticking on this $24 deal.

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Sony Interactive Entertainment announced on March 27 that it is raising prices across its PlayStation 5 lineup, effective April 2. The increases apply to the PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal in the US, UK, Europe, and Japan.This is the second price increase in less than a year. Sony raised prices by $50 across the board in August 2025. The latest round is significantly larger, with some models going up by $150.Sony’s new U.S. prices”With continued pressures in the global economic landscape, we’ve made the decision to increase the prices of PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal remote player globally,” said Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Vice President of Global Marketing, in a PlayStation Blog post.Here is what each product now costs in the US starting April 2PS5 disc edition: $649.99, up from $549.99. An increase of $100.PS5 Digital Edition: $599.99, up from $499.99. An increase of $100.PS5 Pro: $899.99, up from $749.99. An increase of $150.PlayStation Portal: $249.99, up from $199.99. An increase of $50.The PS5 launched in 2020 at $499.99 for the disc edition and $399.99 for the digital edition. The disc model will soon cost $150 more than it did at launch, less than six years later. The PS5 Pro launched in September 2024 at $699.99 and will now cost $200 more in less than two years.Why Sony is raising prices againSony cited “continued pressures in the global economic landscape” without specifying exact drivers. Industry analysts and reporting from multiple outlets point to two primary forces: rising costs of RAM and memory components, which have been driven up by demand from AI data centers, and the broader impact of trade tariffs on electronics manufacturing and imports.The RAM shortage in particular has affected console makers significantly. Memory components are core to both the PS5 and PS5 Pro, and prices have risen sharply as chipmakers prioritize supply for AI infrastructure clients. Sony has no direct control over those input costs, and the price increases reflect how much of that burden the company is now passing to consumers.More Streaming:Paramount Warner Bros. hostile bid has a catch for cable networksApple TV adds key feature Netflix droppedSony is not alone. Microsoft has raised prices for the Xbox Series X and S on multiple occasions. Nintendo launched the Switch 2 at $449.99 in June 2025, a higher starting price than any previous Nintendo console. The cost of manufacturing consumer hardware has increased across the industry, and platform holders have been passing those costs on to consumers.The PlayStation Portal, Sony’s handheld game streaming device, is also going up by $50 to $249.99. The device streams games from a PS5 over a local network and has been a niche product since its launch.What this means for consumers and the broader marketThe PS5 Pro at $899.99 is now approaching $900, a price point that would have been unthinkable for a gaming console a decade ago. The standard disc PS5 at $649.99 now matches or exceeds what many consumers previously associated with high-end PC gaming territory.That trajectory has frustrated many in the gaming community, particularly given that the PS5 is five-year-old hardware. Consoles have historically gotten cheaper over time, not more expensive. This generation has inverted that expectation entirely.

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The timing puts pressure on buyers ahead of the summer season. Anyone who has been waiting to purchase a PS5 has a narrow window to do so at the current $549.99 price before April 2.What happens next for PlayStation?Sony is also reportedly considering pushing the launch of the PlayStation 6 to 2028 or even 2029. That would mark the longest gap between PlayStation generations in the company’s history. If confirmed, it would make the PS5’s extended lifespan and rising price tag even more consequential for gamers deciding whether to invest in the current generation now.The Nintendo Switch 2, launched at $449.99, has not seen a price increase since its June 2025 debut. That price gap between Sony and Nintendo hardware has widened significantly with this announcement. For families with younger gamers, a $200 difference between the two consoles is a meaningful factor at the point of sale.Sony’s official statement acknowledged the impact on its community. “We know that price changes impact our community, and after careful evaluation, we found this was a necessary step to ensure we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide,” Tomatis said.Related: Netflix raises prices for U.S. subscribers again

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealNo matter what the weather may be like at any given moment, outdoor patio storage is always a necessity. During the winter months, you need somewhere to store your patio furniture and decor to keep them safe from freezing. On the other hand, during the spring and summer you want a place to keep pool toys, towels, and sports equipment close at hand for easy access. That’s why outdoor storage sheds and bins are so popular. That’s also why Amazon is such a great shopping destination all year round. In fact, it’s currently selling a beautiful farmhouse-style storage bin at a big discount.The Dwvo Farmhouse Outdoor Storage Bin is available for only $180, which is 22% off the original price of $230. If you ever wanted the chance to get an attractive patio storage bin at a discounted price, then today is your lucky day.Dwvo Farmhouse Outdoor Storage Bin, $180 (was $230) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?This bin is so much more than just a storage cube. It adds a whole new vibe to your patio or backyard. The farmhouse design is fun and lively, with two cross-hatched barn doors that actually open. That’s a major upgrade over most storage bins of this size which only have access from above. That said, this cube also includes a hinged lid that grants overhead access as well, making it incredibly easy to get just about anything in or out of the box.  The entire bin has a wood slat design that belies the durable waterproof resin construction. Each door includes a large resin handle making them a breeze to open or close for easy access to everything inside. As an added benefit, the watertight seal on the lid keeps rainwater and melting snow out while the dual resin wall construction protects from unwanted impacts due to wind or other accidents.There is also a padlock ring on the bin so you can be sure that all your items stay safe and secure all year long. The bin has dimensions of 50.2 inches long by 29.1 inches wide by 41.3 inches high. That makes it large enough to fit most large outdoor trash cans or recycling bins. It’s also a great option for yardwork tools, or even an outdoor bar setup. This bin is available in four different sizes and two finish treatments.Related: Amazon is selling an outdoor storage shed for $114 just in time for springDetails to knowDimensions: 50.2 inches long by 29.1 inches wide by 41.3 inches high.Material: All-weather molded resin.Waterproof seal?: Yes.Shelving: Can be purchased separately.Amazon shoppers were very excited about this bin. One shared, “Excellent! Love them. The rustic wood-look design matches my home. Each can conceal (and protect) two large garbage cans or a shed full of yard supplies.”Shop more deals SweetCrispy Outdoor Storage Deck Box, $24 (was $40) at AmazonLifetime Extra Large Deck Box, $150 (was $160) at AmazonGarveelife Outdoor Storage Tool Shed, $123 (was $130) at AmazonThe Dwvo Farmhouse Outdoor Storage Bin is the perfect tool to keep your patio or backyard in order while still adding to your outdoor decor. This piece allows you to organize your space and improve its overall look. That’s a whole lot of upside for just $180

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TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealSpring is finally here and now’s the time to start sprucing up your outdoor space for the season. With lounge-worthy weather underway, we expect outdoor furniture prices to skyrocket. If you’re looking to get a your hands on a new patio set without going over budget, look no further. We found a set for 34% off at Walmart.Originally $100, the Lofka 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set at Walmart is a set you’re going to want to see. Complete with rocking chairs and a side table, it’s made for outdoor relaxation. And on sale for just $66, it’s one of the most affordable patio sets we’ve seen.Lofka 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, $66 (was $100) at Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?A rocking chair is already relaxing enough. Pair it with a serene spring day, with the sun shining after a treacherous winter? Now, that sounds like a dream. This patio set has all the elements to make that a reality. The three-piece set comes with two rocking chairs and a side table, creating a cozy outdoor seating area. Each rocking patio chair measures 22.8 inches long by 28.9 inches wide by 31.5 inches high. They have an angular, modern design that differs from traditional wicker patio sets. The backrest and seat have an ergonomic curve made for comfort and relaxation, and are made of breathable Textilene fabric that keeps you cool during warm weather. The fabric is also tear-resistant and quick-drying, making it durable enough to withstand both rain and shine. The chair’s frame is made of sturdy powder-coated steel with a slip-resistant base and anti-tip design. The chairs have adjustable leg pads to keep you steady while you rock away, even on uneven surfaces. And the armrests feature wood accents that give these chairs a bit of rustic, natural charm. The matching side table is just 17.3 inches long by 17.3 inches wide by 15.6 inches high, providing a sturdy surface to place your drinks, snacks, or an outdoor lamp. It has a sleek tempered glass top that’s easy to clean, and it’s heat-resistant, so it can hold up against the hot summer days ahead. Related: Walmart is selling a 8-piece patio set for just $460 during its massive spring saleDetails to knowChair dimensions: 22.8 inches long by 28.9 inches wide by 31.5 inches high.Table dimensions: 17.3 inches long by 17.3 inches wide by 15.6 inches high.Chair weight capacity: Up to 300 pounds.Colors: Brown, gray, and black.The rocking chair patio set is ideal for small spaces, whether it’s a compact deck or an apartment balcony. It can even create a cozy, smaller seating area in a larger space. The set is available in three colors, including brown, black, and gray.Shop more dealsNoelse 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, $63 (was $70) at WalmartLofka 3-Piece Patio Set, $56 (was $64) at WalmartLacoo 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, $125 (was $170) at WalmartThe Lofka 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set is just $66 at Walmart, and it’s the perfect addition to your home this spring.

WrestleMania 42 card updated after SmackDown March 27. McIntyre vs Fatu Unsanctioned Match. Zayn wins US Title. Full card.