The man who founded Toys R Us – the children’s toy retailer – has died aged 94, one week after his company announced it was closing its doors.
Charles Lazarus began selling toys in 1957 in large supermarket-style shops after he returned from World War II military service.
His death comes after the company announced it would close all US and UK shops and seek bankruptcy protection.
The “heartbreaking” news of his death was tweeted on Thursday by the firm.
“There have been many sad moments for Toys R Us in recent weeks, and none more heartbreaking than today’s news about the passing of our beloved founder, Charles Lazarus,” the company wrote online.