Staples Canada to Revive Toys R Us via Shop-in-Shop

Staples Canada and Next Century Ipco Can ULC announced a partnership on November 3, 2026, to revive the Toys R Us and Parties R Us brands using a shop-in-shop retail model. The collaboration will integrate dedicated shopping areas into approximately 300 Staples stores across Canada by the end of 2027, complemented by an online presence at staples.ca.

A pilot location is scheduled to open November 14 at 45 Red Maple Rd. in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The new Parties R Us concept will focus on balloons and licensed party products, while the Toys R Us sections will offer curated product assortments.

This revival follows a period of financial decline for Toys R Us Canada, which filed for creditor protection in February 2026 under previous owner Doug Putman. Next Century, a Canadian affiliate of the U.S. firm Ad Populum, subsequently acquired the intellectual property and naming rights for the brands in Canada. While Next Century holds the trademarks and mascot rights, Putman's company retained inventory and 10 store leases.

The move aligns with a broader international effort by management firm WHP Global to revive the brand. Executives from both partners stated the move would create a new destination for families and expand the brand's reach through Staples' national network.