It's the end of an era as the remaining Toys "R" Us stores closed for good. To mark the closing chapter for generations of children, Rene Johnpiere posted a photo of the franchise's mascot – Geoffrey the Giraffe – packing up and moving on.
We haven't patronized the brick and mortar haven for toys lately, but we're suddenly realizing how significantly bittersweet Geoffrey's departure is.
Johnpiere posted other photos from inside the empty toy shop, with shelves left barren and devoid of life, really hitting home that the store is fading into obscurity.
The store's jingle from the 70s TV commercials "I don't want to grow up, I'm a Toys "R" Us kid," resonated with kids during an era where they played outside instead of inside virtual worlds on their handheld devices. But all good things come to an end, and we do grow up.
It's a sad, sad time.
The franchise filed for bankruptcy last March and announced it would be closing all of their U.S. stores, confirming the inevitable fate that customers feared was a longtime coming.
The store posted a farewell message on their website.
Thanks to each of you who shared your amazing journey to (and through) parenthood with us, and to every grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, and sister who's built a couch-cushion rocket ship, made up a hero adventure, or invented something gooey. Promise us just this one thing: Don't ever grow up. Play on!"
But nothing hit closer to home more than seeing Geoffrey all packed up and vacating the playground we all grew up in.
Have no fear, toy shoppers can still go to Canada for some nostalgia.
So it's bye for now.
Although we're all gutted over Geoffrey's departure, he's finally getting his well-deserved retirement.
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