cods wrote on Mar 15^th, 2018 at 1:03pm:


Its always struggled, use to hit the news all the time
I think toy stores will struggle in the digital age more than others.
Kids know what they want so no need for a physical store

Computer Games have replaced 'conventional' Toys.
That's all.

Kids prefer 'Autism' with the 'sit and stare' effect that Com Games provide.

I thought they closed down years ago.  Shows you how many toys I buy   

There was another big toy chain that went bust here but I cannot remember the name.

greggerypeccary wrote on Mar 15^th, 2018 at 4:23pm:


They do actually, the Kmart version is like $12.00

personally I blame online shopping...well not entirely  as you say kids prefer these hand held ipads or smart phones these days  which drive me bonkers 

the coming generations are all going to be looking at the ground as they age... its hideous and  turning people into ignorant rude silent people......

but I feel for those losing their jobs....I didnt realise it had been around for 70years..

Maybe blame China.

Every other nation makes a Toy for $10 and sells for $12.
China (and other 'cheap' nations) make a Toy for $1 and sell it for $10.

$2 Profit for Australia (better quality)
$9 Profit for China (lesser quality)

Now every gutless Govt around the world knows this - but still can't get the balls to say to these 'cheap imports' ..."Sorry, but you only get a 'cheap' profit threshold on your product."

...In other words
Australia should get a $3 Profit (high quality product)
China should only get $1 Profit (lesser quality product).

Hence why Companies like Toys R Us and many other Businesses are going under.
It has nothing to do with 'OnLine' as many people still 'go shopping (otherwise why the increase and growth in Shopping Malls everywhere?).

Face the fact that YOU'RE BEING RIPPED OFF BY CHINA & CO making crappier versions for 80% less cost and selling them just under the opposition's price to 'under-cut' and gaining a higher Profit Threshold.

Australia is too gutless to do anything about it and that's why the cost of living in Australia is so expensive (to cover the cost of that loss of Profit threshold).

It's just the world's biggest 'SCAM' and China is getting away with it.
It also buys up all the TM's and holds them for the legal 4 years to prevent any 'competition' being made by other nations. After 4 years - most things become replaced by newer innovations/versions, etc and they sell them off cheaply after 4 years.

China is only an Economic PowerHouse - because they are SCAMming the World and no-one has the balls to do anything about it.

RightSaidFred wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 6:13am:



we are still very sport minded..look at the  women cricket and footy...its all happening....as a dad how much time do you spend on your smart phone during the day??????.. ..its mostly adults using phones walking across level crossings not taking their eyes off them to see if anything is coming

they are after all toys are they not?....

we are building a new generation of parents  all looking down all talking to someone else not even in the same room... if you try to have a conversation with them   you have to wait until they have finished tapping...

cods wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 6:49am:


Mobiles were still pretty new and not smart back then but I am not surgically attached to my mobile. I own a big house and I often don't get to the mobile before the caller hangs up.

Yes there are a lot of IphoneZombies out there, on the street I deliberately walk into them as they expect you to get out of their way, its amusing with the shorter ones as often you get get them to smack themselves in the face.

Black Orchid wrote on Mar 15^th, 2018 at 4:22pm:


These days when I have to buy toys its either online or a Kmart about 2km down the road. There use to be a Toys are Us about 20 minutes away but that closed ages ago and the site is being developed into a good sized block of flats.
This shop was also close to Warringah Mall (infested by Rooty Hills Budgey smugglers exposing themselves)  which is full of toy stores ..... add online into that the stores days were numbered. I am the same we have a Niece / Nephew hitting their teens soon ..... the rest are high teens or adults right now so barely go to toy stores right now. Plan ahead and most we do online, saves time and $$ ..... a trip to the mall can take 2-3 hrs or boredom.

Marla wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 8:09am:



it will also affect manufacturers and well as transport..... really worldwide as well.....really sad for those affected..

RightSaidFred wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 8:32am:



885 stores  39 stores in OZ....

RightSaidFred wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 7:47am:


My daughter was never really into toys as such, more activity based stuff. With the baby whose nearly 1, I just hit Vinnies when I'm passing thru nice suburbs and load up on books and toys that cost next to nothing. When I'm finished with them they go back to Vinnies to be resold

cods wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 8:41am:


And if they close their stores market share gets absorbed by others its the cycle of capitalism failure is part of the process. You can not cherry pick it or expect the economy to be continually expanding.

Jasin wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 4:48pm:


At least it wasnt the other way around

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Mar 16^th, 2018 at 10:36pm:



If it's not an $80 computer game they don't want to know... my grandson has it down pat - out with dad in the shopping centre to link up with grampa and it's :-  "Can I JUST get this game?  It's discounted to $49.99 ..... aw, PLEEEEASE ..."

By comparison the granddaughters are lovely and adore grampa, who they get to jump on from a height and he catches both them at once, and he's a good mate to go look at the swans nest in the middle of the lake..... grampa is great - he carries one around on his shoulders leaving only two, one for each parent, to watch...

Three hands work better with three kids than two... and the son uses military jargon like, "On ME, kids...", which they ignore....

Boys and girls are different....[/quote]

I agree little girls as long as its PINK and comes with a hair brush  they are happy....they god bless them are not so ipad minded.....

you sound like a good poppie grampa..

leave the grandkids with a wonderful image of a much loved grandparent   its all we can do....

I am feeding two and sometimes 3 of my grandsons while mum is on a cruise....and yes I stare them down at the table   the two eldest ones   for daring to look at their phones....they are not too sure how to take me....as for sure they are allowed to do it home   but I wont have a bar of it..

if you cant talk at the table    without muttering  and talking to someone who isnt even in the house..........


then there is something wrong with you..

am I a bad nanny?