KB Toys files for bankruptcy, stores to liquidate stock and close

Just read it in the paper, second time in 4 years KB has been on the block and this time it looks permanent.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/shopping_blog/2008/12/kb-toys-files-1.html

Story said it was recommended that stores liquidate as much stock within the next two weeks to capitalize on the Xmas season, with many, maybe all stores closing soon after.

While KB was not a supplier of G gauge trains, aside from the Scientific Sets every Xmas, they are a supplier of other accessory items like die-cast cars, figures, etc. Plus any final xmas shopping you may have, or if you collect Figures, RC cars etc, may be worth it in the coming days to check in with your local KB to see if they are liquidating stock, could be an opportunity to get some really good deals, sad I hate to see the shops closed and the jobs lost, but might as well make the best of it while the opportunity is there.

Hubby worked part-time for KB for nearly 10 years until the local store here closed a year ago. He knew the manager quite well and saw the (lack of) business practices, and knew that the company would not survive long term. It’s very sad and unfortunate, since that will give Toys R Us and other places more of a market share.

OK liquidation is well underway, 30-50% as of off this last weekend at the KB in nearby Glendale, Ca.

(no trains, all gone )

KB imploded due to management issues. What can you do? If you run a business into the ground, then it fails. Simple economics 101. The KB near me never had good prices or a good selection, the workers went out of the way to be unhelpful, so I took my money elsewhere. Hmm, that’s the same thing I did with H-D and Ford…

I agree with TJ. If a business wants my money, they do business my way! No way anybody gets automatic access to my bank accounts or credit card (note singular tense)! I also demand the same discount or better for paying cash. If they give credit card companies an 8 - 10% discount, I want the same. That way I know exactly what’s outgoing and don’t get myself into the debt problems that are causing the current recession! I also agree that KB folk went out of the way to be unhelpful; I had it at the store in Rehoboth, DE on more occaisions than one; hence I quit going there.