From Scott....
Well, it looks like yet another link to vintage SW toys is nearly gone.
As Kenner did in the U.S., Irwin Toy is on the verge of closing for good. Irwin Toy, who, in a joint venture with General Mills USA created "Kenner Canada" and sold the Star Wars line in Canada has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in 10 years. Things don't look good this time around.
Workopolis.com article.
When Irwin was privately owned by the Irwin family, they seemed to have their finger on the pulse of the toy buying public in Canada. I was in contact with them on several occasions over the years, and the secretaries would often refer me to "one of the family" to answer my questions. It felt like you were calling someone's home! When the new company took over Irwin Toy recently, things changed dramatically. It was difficult to find someone to even answer a question - if they even answered the phone that is. Lately, I had been in contact with a few employees, and things seemed to be in upheaval despite news that the company was "back on its feet". I tried clicking on the Irwin Toy webpage today, and it has been taken down.
The staff appear to be left out in the cold too:
Thestar.com article.
