As part of their progression towards
the zen of being fucked, eToys announced the closure of their
UK operations (at www.eToys.co.uk) on
December 29, 2000.
The announcement was followed by a half-price sale on
all goods (yes, including
Pokémon stuff, consoles and that neat new
Lego), which caused an online
shopping frenzy. Thousands of people who would never think of shopping at
eToys poured into the site, as the closure and half price sale were both mentioned on the national news.
By Jan 4th, most of the site was picked clean. I mention that date, because that's when I finally heard about it and thought I'd pick up a £70
Dreamcast. Curses. The store will be taken offline on
January 19, 2001, never to return.
I hope
eToy buy the domain and put up a page simply saying "Har har."
Timber!
February 26, 2001, eToys is filing for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The website (www.etoys.com) will apparently be shut down within the week. Keep eyes peeled for a ridiculously cheap
last-shout sale, although it's possible all stock will go to
recievers. Farewell, eToys; you probably won't be missed.