News Briefs

A major Canadian toy retailer is restructuring operations under court supervision.

Toys"R"Us Canada, which is owned by Putnam Investments and has operated independently from former parent Toys”R”Us since 2021, is receiving creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) pursuant to an initial order granted by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. 

CCAA protection enables Canadian corporations with more than $5 million in debt to restructure financially with court approval while avoiding immediate bankruptcy. In a press release, Toys"R"Us Canada said it will “evaluate its strategic alternatives and implement certain restructuring initiatives,” including reducing its retail footprint. 

All of the retailer’s currently active stores will remain open during this process. However, a banner on the homepage of its e-commerce site states that its web store is unavailable due to the CCAA filing. Customers can still browse items, but functionality to add them to an online cart for purchase is currently deactivated. 

The initial order provides for a stay of proceedings initial period of 10 days, subject to extension thereafter as the Court deems appropriate. As part of its restructuring process, Toys”R”Us Canada has appointed restructuring expert Neil Taylor as chief restructuring officer to assist the company as it navigates the CCAA process. Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. has been appointed as the CCAA monitor by the court.

According to the Edmonton Journal, Toys"R"Us Canada faces $160 million in debts and "tens of millions" of dollars in outstanding gift card obligations. In court filings, the company reportedly said its revenue has "significantly declined" due to increasing competition from big-box and online retailers and it has "severe liquidity and working‑capital constraints."

[READ MORE: Toys"R"Us Canada breach reportedly exposes shopper data]

The retailer currently operates 22 brick-and-mortar stores across Canada.

After 30 years, Caribbean-inspired dining chain Bahama Breeze will soon be gone with the wind.

In a Feb. 3 press release, Darden Restaurants Inc., the brand’s parent company, shared that its 28 locations were “no longer a strategic priority.” Darden will close 14 of the Bahama Breeze locations, while converting the other 14 locations to other brands in the Darden portfolio, which include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and more.

The restaurants that will close will continue operating through April 5, 2026, while the company anticipates converting the remaining locations over the next 12-18 months. Darden added that it is not disclosing which brands the locations will be converted to.

The company said that it did not expect the closures and conversions to have a material impact on its financial results.

[READ MORE: Olive Garden to 'significantly expand' across Canada]

Founded in 1996, Bahama Breeze specializes in Caribbean-inspired seafood, chicken, steaks and more, while serving tropical drinks in a themed environment. More than half of its locations are in Florida. Last year, 15 of the chain’s restaurants closed as economic pressures impacted the casual dining sector.

Headquartered in Orlando, Darden’s portfolio includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy's, Seasons 52 and Eddie V's.

Consumers are already bracing for higher prices for this year’s holidays.

According to Numerator’s 2026 Holiday Intentions Preview, most consumers plan to celebrate Christmas (92% of U.S. consumers), Thanksgiving (90%), Mother’s Day (79%), Easter (75%) and Independence Day (72%) in 2026. Those surveyed anticipate that rising prices will impact their holiday shopping this year, with consumers saying their shopping for Christmas (88%), Halloween (85%) and Thanksgiving (84%) will see the greatest impact. 

The holidays that are planned one to three months in advance are Christmas (83% of intended celebrators), Halloween (67%), Hanukkah (60%) and Thanksgiving (50%). Other holidays are more spontaneous. Cinco de Mayo (35%) and St. Patrick’s Day (26%) are planned one to two days in advance.

[READ MORE: Survey: Higher costs to keep Valentine's Day spending strong]

When asked by Numerator how much effort or enthusiasm typically goes into celebrating the holiday on a scale of one to five, Christmas and Halloween saw the highest levels of enthusiasm (40% and 50%, respectively, rating the holiday as a four or five). Conversely, Labor Day (47%), New Year’s Eve (46%) and Memorial Day (45%) were rated as more casual celebrations (rating the holiday as a one or two).

Food is the most popular item consumers say they will purchase for 12 out of 14 key holidays, led by Thanksgiving (86%), Labor Day (83%), Independence Day (83%), Memorial Day (81%) and New Year’s Eve (78%). 

Unsurprisingly, candy is the top intended purchase for Halloween (79%) and Valentine’s Day (55%), while alcohol sees its highest percentage of celebrators who intend to purchase on Cinco de Mayo (57%) and New Year’s Eve (52%). 

Numerator surveyed more than 5,300 consumers for its 2026 Holiday Intentions Preview.

A Southern quick-serve chain has expanded its footprint into a key Midwest market.

North Carolina-based Bojangles landed in Michigan, opening a new location in partnership with Meritage Hospitality Group in Wyoming, a suburb of Grand Rapids, the state’s second-largest city. Customers in the area will now be able to try the chain’s Southern staples, including seasoned hand-breaded chicken, scratch-made biscuits and sweet tea.

Bojangles says the expansion into Michigan marks a “significant step” in its strategic growth plan. In the past year, the brand has successfully entered new markets, with its most recent opening in Austin. It has also expanded in Brooklyn, N.Y., Piscataway, N.J., Las Vegas, Columbus, Ohio, and Baton Rouge, La., along with additional Texas openings in Dallas and Houston.

“We are ecstatic about introducing Bojangles to Michigan and bringing our unique Southern charm to the market,” said Bojangles CEO Jose Armario, who has served in the role since 2019. “Our recent expansions into new markets have been met with tremendous enthusiasm, and we are confident that the Wyoming community will embrace our delicious offerings with the same excitement.”

[READ MORE: Bojangles plans NYC return with 20 locations]

Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, Bojangles operates more than 850 company-owned and franchised restaurants in 22 states.

[READ MORE: Product reviews to influence most Prime Day purchases]