JENSEN BEACH — Toys R Us stores are entering their final days and are ramping up the deals.
The iconic toy retailer announced a new round of markdowns were taken Monday on its social media accounts. Discounts now range from 50 percent to 70 percent, with limited exceptions, according to the Facebook post.
Almost three months after Toys R Us said it would liquidate all of its U.S. stores, shoppers are finding deep discounts. "Final Days! Amazing Deals!! Time to fill up a cart!!," the Facebook post reads.
Just one problem. Some of the most valued, in-demand merchandise was snapped up weeks ago.
Those looking for Nintendo and PlayStation video game systems might leave disappointed. But kids who appreciate Lego sets, board games, Barbie dolls, "Star Wars" toys, Nerf guns and more can still come away winners if they act fast.
Prices on most items now are beating those of competitors such as Amazon, Walmart and Target and rivaling Black Friday doorbuster deals.
“The prices are getting good,” said Rita Hasselbach, a Port St. Lucie resident who visited the nearby Toys R Us in Jensen Beach. "I’m looking for games that I can donate to charities and shelters.”
For the Jensen Beach store, on Florida's east coast about 100 miles north of Miami, June 28 will be the last day before the doors close forever, said Andrew Wiggins, a supervisor at the store.
"That’s completely subject to change and it depends on how fast everything sells, though,” said Wiggins, who has been with the company for more than five years.
He said he has heard that 98 percent of stores are expected to close by the end of the month and that all stores will be closed by the end of July.
As inventory sells out, parts of stores and empty aisles are being closed with yellow caution tape and other barriers, and merchandise is being moved to the front.
Inventory, discounts and closing dates can vary by location, and a list of closing dates was not available.
The three Toys R Us stores in Collier and Lee counties are at the Bed, Bath & Beyond Plaza at Pine Ridge and Airport-Pulling roads in North Naples, at Gulf Coast Town Center in south Lee County and at Page Field Commons in Fort Myers.
“The store closures' timing and discounts will vary, as it depends on how quickly each location sells out of inventory,” said Toys R Us spokeswoman Amy von Walter. “I don’t have timing on markdowns, as the liquidators are leading this process, but I’d guess that would vary as well.”
Dedicated shoppers
Candido Herrera, of Port St. Lucie, has been coming to the Jensen Beach store weekly since the liquidation started in March. He said he has left empty-handed on most of those trips.
“Their prices were already too high compared to Walmart and any other stores, so when they take off 40 percent, it’s really 20 percent,” Herrera said last week. “It’s almost like they’re tricking us, but since we’re already here they figure we’re going to take something.”
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Some shoppers say dedication pays off.
Brothers Fabio and Alejandro Benichio, also of Port St. Lucie, have been coming to the Jensen Beach store twice a week for the last five weeks, looking for birthday and Christmas gifts.
On Monday night they filled a cart with Barbie dolls and action figures marked down 50 percent, a large Lego set at 40 percent off and Doctor Dreadful Snot Shot toys at 60 percent off. The 14 items came to $137.15, a savings of $126.46.
“We’re pretty much done — at least for this week,” Alejandro Benichio said.
The two became pros when the nearby Babies R Us closed earlier this year as part of the first wave of closings.
“We had three carts full for what we spent today,” Fabio Benichio said of shopping during the final days. “At the end Babies R Us was worth it.”
Tips to score a closeout deal
Compare prices: The easiest way to do this is to scan product barcodes with Amazon, Target and Walmart apps.
Look for special merchandise: It's common for liquidators to bring in special merchandise, often leftovers from other closed retailers. Look for signs at store entrances that explain how to spot this merchandise, which includes women's slippers, tote bags and special toys not previously carried at stores.
All sales are final: If you end up buying something you don’t want, try recouping your money by selling it. Also make sure prices ring up at advertised discounts before paying.
Use a credit card: This is a safety net if you experience any problems and may offer a way to contest the charge. However, you are shopping at your own risk.
Warranties: Check warranty details and find out where repairs can be made.
To ask questions, see www.toysrusclosingsale.com or call 800-TOYSRUS or 800-869-7787 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
USA TODAY Network reporter Joan Verdon of The Record in Bergen County, N.J., contributed to this report.
Kelly Tyko is a consumer columnist and retail reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Follow her on Twitter @KellyTyko.