Bayfield Street location enters wind-down as uncertainty persists
Barrie’s last remaining Toys “R” Us, at 549 Bayfield St. near Hanmer Street, has begun liquidating merchandise as the chain proceeds through court-supervised restructuring. Despite the clearance activity and renewed Store Closing signage, a definitive shutdown date has not been communicated to staff or the public.
“But we’re expecting it to be very fast,” an employee said, adding that no final date has been provided.
The Bayfield Street store had continued operating after its south-end Park Place counterpart closed in 2025. Windows at the north-end site first displayed closure notices in January 2025, which were later removed for more than a year. The signs have now returned as stock is marked down and the location moves toward closure.
Creditor protection and court-approved liquidations
The retailer’s footprint has been shrinking across Canada as it works through a creditor protection process launched earlier this year in response to debt pressures and related disputes with suppliers and landlords. A court last month authorized liquidation sales at a portion of the chain’s remaining 22 stores, allowing locations to reduce inventory while their futures are assessed.
InfoRadar sought comment from company representatives about the Barrie site’s timeline and plans for the location but received no response. The employee who answered the store line said frontline staff had not been given a confirmed final day of operations.
Property listing removed, availability sign remains
The 45,000-square-foot commercial building housing the store was posted for sale at $17.9 million in March 2026, according to a public listing that has since been taken down. There has been no announcement that a deal has closed, and a large sign advertising availability still fronts the property. Any disposition of the site would be notable for the Bayfield corridor, where big-box retail draws regional traffic and anchors nearby commercial tenants.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | Closure signage first appears at Bayfield Street store |
| 2025 | Park Place Toys “R” Us closes |
| Early–mid 2026 | Bayfield Street closure signs removed for over a year |
| March 2026 | Property listed for sale at $17.9M; later removed |
| July 2026 | Liquidation sale underway; final date not disclosed |
Recent changes inside the store
In recent months, the north-end location underwent visible alterations. HMV took over the portion of the floorplate that had previously housed Babies “R” Us, and the store installed a large climbing structure at the rear. Those adjustments came as the retailer tested ways to draw foot traffic while navigating its financial restructuring.
What this means for Barrie shoppers and workers
With liquidation now in progress, customers can expect accelerated sell-through of remaining toys and related merchandise while the company determines next steps. The return of closing signage and the employee’s indication that the process could move quickly point to a compressed timeframe for final operations, even as the exact last day remains unconfirmed.
- Stock is being reduced as part of a court-authorized liquidation.
- No final closure date has been communicated to staff or the public.
- Property status is unresolved, with a prior sale listing withdrawn and onsite availability advertising still posted.
The Bayfield Street corridor is a key commercial zone for north Barrie, and any change in tenancy at 549 Bayfield St. would shape nearby retail activity and employment. For now, operations continue during the liquidation sale while the company’s wider restructuring plays out and local stakeholders await clarity on the site’s next chapter.
