Doug Putman

Douglas Robert Putman (born 25 March 1984) is a billionaire Canadian business executive. Putman is the owner of Canada's largest toy chain, Toys "R" Us, music retailer Sunrise Records, FYE, Everest Toys, and hmv UK, as well as many other companies. Most recently, he acquired 21 former Bed Bath and Beyond locations with plans to reopen them under the name Rooms + Spaces, which is expected to commence operations later in 2023.[1] Putman is also known for his charitable giving, including a one million dollar donation to the YWCA in Hamilton, Ontario to help women at risk in the community.[2][3][4]

Doug Putman
Born
Douglas Robert Putman

(1984-03-25) March 25, 1984
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Known for
Board member of
  • Everest Toys
  • Sunrise Records
  • hmv UK

Early life

Douglas Putman was born on 25 March 1984 and raised in Ancaster, Ontario.[5] His family owned Everest Toys, which he managed as of 2017.[6]

Career

In 2017, it was announced that Putman had acquired the lease agreements for HMV Canada after it fell into receivership at which time he expanded Sunrise Records Canada-wide. The former subsidiary of HMV UK is now operating as Sunrise Records.[7] On 5 February 2019, HMV UK was acquired by Sunrise Records, owned by Putman, for £883,000, saving 100 stores and 1,600 jobs. The company will continue to trade under the HMV brand.[8]

In 2021, Putman, through his Putman Investments, announced he would buy Toys "R" Us Canada from Fairfax Financial.[9]

In 2023 Putnam acquired 21 Canadian retail locations from Bed Bath & Beyond.[10]

References
  1. Evans, Pete (May 3, 2023). "New Canadian retail chain set to launch from ashes of former Bed Bath & Beyond locations". CBC.ca. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  2. "HMV chain saved but some stores will close". Bbc.co.uk. 5 February 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  3. "SPILL FEATURE: THE FUN OF GOING TO A RECORD STORE IS THE TREASURE HUNT - A DISCUSSION WITH SUNRISE RECORDS' DOUG PUTMAN". The Spill Magazine. 2018-03-12. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  4. Kirby, Jason (2022-02-25). "Doug Putman has revived unloved brands like Toys'R'Us and HMV with a plan to make retail fun again". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
  5. McNeil, Mark (3 March 2017). "Ancaster entrepreneur riding the wave of analog at 33 revolutions per minute". Thespec.com. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  6. "Will Sunrise Records avoid costly downtown Toronto?". The South Bayview Bulldog. 2017-02-28. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  7. "Sunrise Has Plan to Succeed Where HMV Failed: Owner Talks Vinyl Surge, Antsy Suppliers & (More) Expansion". Billboard.com. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  8. "HMV chain saved but some stores will close". Bbc.co.uk. 5 February 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  9. "Putman Investments to Purchase Toys'R'Us and Babies'R'Us Canada". www.businesswire.com. 2021-08-19. Retrieved 2021-08-21.
  10. "New Canadian retail chain set to launch from ashes of former Bed Bath & Beyond locations". 2023-05-03. Retrieved 2023-05-03.


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