Houston-area Toys 'R' Us locations to close, jobs lost

HOUSTON – Americans have grown up with Toys "R" Us for more than a half a century.

But, the bankrupt retailer will close its doors, letting go of tens of thousands of employees, including some in Houston.

Even before the doors opened on Thursday, shoppers were already waiting in the parking lot and more showed up since.

Shoppers said the same thing; that it's simply "sad" that the stores are closing. But, after 70 years, there will not be a new generation of Toys "R" Us kids.

The iconic retailer will shut down or sell all of its more than 700 stores in the United States.

Toys "R" Us filed for bankruptcy six months ago, revealing it was $5 billion in debt. 

Many blame the boom of online shopping, but it appears troubles started a lot earlier.

More than 30,000 jobs are at risk.

The store is expected to honor gift cards for the next 30 days, so shoppers are encouraged to spend them as soon as possible. There is no word on when the stores will actually shut its doors.

Houston-area locations include