Anyone remember Toys “R” Us? They went bankrupt in 2018, another big box retailer who got squeezed out by Amazon and Walmart – and video games. Believe it or not, they’re coming back with a vengeance.
They used to have cavernous 40,000 square feet of retail space; this time around, stores will be around 10,000. Instead of stacking inventory to the ceilings like a Home Depot, they’re taking a page out of the Bass Pro Shops playbook with lots of experiential ways to try out products: VR stations, video game zones, LEGO building areas. With 24 new stores planned in the US, they’re also partnering with British retailer WH Smith to have another 37 shops-within-stores. Here’s to hoping they’re successful with their comeback.
Conversely, there’s Billy McFarland, our generation’s P.T. Barnum. Recently released from prison, he’s promoting Frye Fiasco II. Despite 5,000 ticket holders and $26MM in defaulted loans from the original Frye Fiasco, would you believe that 100 presale tickets at $500 sold out immediately? According to Rolling Stone, the cheapest tickets will be around $1,400, while the most expensive packages will cost $1.1 million and supposedly come with things like luxury yachts, scuba diving, and travel between Caribbean islands. Apparently, there’s a reputable events company that owns 51% of Frye Fiasco II, but who in their right mind would believe this guy? If you’re on the fence and haven’t watched it yet, Netflix’s Frye documentary is worth a watch.
