Zany Brainy stores were discontinued, filing for bankruptcy in 2001 and closing their physical locations by 2003 due to overexpansion and financial issues after acquiring rival Noodle Kidoodle, though an online store briefly revived the brand in 2020. The original chain struggled after buying Noodle Kidoodle in 2000, leading to asset sales and ultimately the shuttering of all stores by early 2004.

Key points:

Bankruptcy: Zany Brainy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2001.

Acquisition & Decline: The company overextended itself by buying Noodle Kidoodle in 2000, impacting its finances.

Store Closures: Assets were sold, and the remaining physical stores closed permanently around 2003-2004.

Revival (Online): A short-lived online version of the store launched in 2020, selling nostalgic merchandise.

Founder's Next Venture: Founder David Schlessinger later co-founded the popular discount retailer Five Below.