Toys 'R' Us, Closing Today, Is a Sad Shell of Its Former Self

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Last call: The mega Toys 'R' Us in Times Square — and its massive Ferris wheel, Willy Wonka-themed candy shop, and T-Rex installation, too — will officially close its doors for good at 11pm tonight. Gothamist took a look inside the store and found the scene of barren metal shelves and massive discounts especially disturbing. "Anything leftover at closing time will be deported to the desolate Island of Misfit Toys," they wrote.

The company decided not to renew its lease for the 110,000 square-foot flagship at 1514 Broadway earlier this year. Once Toys 'R' Us is gone, Gap and Old Navy will take over part of the space.

Late last summer, there was a rumor that Toys 'R' Us and the temporarily defunct FAO Schwarz would join forces to create the ultimate playtime experience. But as for now, both toy stores will be homeless — there's no official word yet on Toys 'R' Us's next steps in New York City, aside from the company scouting for new space in Manhattan. Meanwhile, there are strong rumors that it's setting up across the Hudson River at the American Dream Mall.