Toys 'R' Us Falters with AI-Generated Content, Spurning Its Legacy

Tech & AI | June 26, 2024, 10:54 a.m.

Toys 'R' Us, once a beloved name in the world of toys, fell victim to private equity vultures, leading to bankruptcy in 2017 and closure of all U.S. stores in 2021. However, the brand lives on through a licensing deal with Macy's, using generative AI to create an origin story ad that attempts to revive its 70-year history. The AI-animated ad featuring the company's founder, Charles Lazarus, is described as the "First Ever Brand Film Created with SORA," but comes off as cringe-inducing and soulless. The ad's reliance on AI to evoke nostalgia and replace human creativity reflects a larger trend of technology replacing human interaction in consumer experiences. While the idea of a whimsical toy store may seem outdated in today's digital age, the AI-generated ad serves as a reminder of the impact of profit-driven decisions on beloved brands.