As Toys “R” Us Inc. stores across the United States marked their final day in business on Friday, the bankrupt toy retailer posted a farewell message to customers on its website next to an image of its iconic Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot thanking them and urging them to “Play on!”, Reuters reported. “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,” the message said. “Promise us just this one thing: Don’t ever grow up. Play on!” the message, playing on the company’s famous jingle, added. More than 700 Toys “R” Us stores are shuttering in the United States. Toys “R” Us filed for chapter 11 protection in September hoping to restructure some $5 billion in debt, much of which stemmed from a $6.6 billion leveraged buyout by private equity firms in 2005.
