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Toys R Us customers frustrated with lack of closing sales

HOUSTON - As Toys R Us prepares to close, the founder of the company died suddenly.

Charles Lazarus died at 94 years old, the company announced on Thursday. The company that Lazarus built raised generations of “Toys “R” Us kids” but it now finds itself in the middle of bankruptcy and liquidation sales.

Generations of shoppers were sad to hear the company was closing last week, but they were looking forward to sales they thought would start on Thursday.

It seems that there was some confusion and liquidation sales did not kick in yet at the company’s 735 stores around the country.

Customers at a West Houston Toys-R-Us told KHOU 11 they were told by employees to come back on Thursday, but it seems the company has postponed the sales.

“We were under the impression that were going to have 25% off," said Rosa Williams, who was at the store shopping for her 2-year-old son.

Some stores posted signs that apologized for the confusion and state that the stores “do not have confirmation as to when the liquidation sales will begin.”

Shoppers at sister store, Babies-R-Us, who have signed up for registries, feel especially as if they are in “liquidation limbo.”

The retailer – which mails out gift cards 12 weeks after the baby’s due date -- has announced it’ll stop accepting gift cards and other rewards in mid-April.

The company’s “Endless Earnings” program, which offers 10% cash back in the form of a gift card, is a big draw for families.

“Honestly, we came and registered here because we were told there’s a rewards program,” said Marieli Guzman of Montrose. She added, “that 10% helps a lot.”

The company plans to sell or close its stores due to being billions of dollars in debt, and years of competition with on-line shopping.

“It’s kind of sad now that its closing down, but now with technology and everything, even my kids shy away from toys. They’re more into tablets and computers, videogames,” said Katy resident David Ramirez.

Experts believe liquidation sales will start on Friday, starting at 25% off and then increasing until stores close in June.

Some stores will close before that. You’ll have to wait longer for sales for on-line merchandise. The company’s bankruptcy lawyers say they’re trying to get a buyer for its e-commerce operations.

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