Bankrupt retailer Toys R Us is closing its doors. But first, it will try to unload much of its merchandise in going-out-of-business sales.

The company announced Thursday it is closing 730 U.S. stores in the coming months. The move comes amid its bankruptcy filing and after disappointing holiday sales and supply problems from concerned vendors.

The schedule for the shutdown has not been announced, though employees were reportedly told closures would be staggered over the coming months. Bankruptcy attorney Corali Lopez-Castro told Business Insider it's likely the clearance sales will begin soon and the shutdowns will follow shortly after.

"Toys R Us is not going to want to drag this out," Lopez-Castro said.

Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in September. In January, it announced it would close 170 stores with clearance sales ongoing now. Those stores are set to close in April.

Gift cards expire in 30 days

Toys R Us said its gift cards - as well as loyalty program perks - will expire in 30 days.

Shoppers who don't use their gift cards or "reward dollars" and "endless earnings" by that time will lose their benefits.

So, what should consumers do? Here's the Better Business Bureau's advice:

"Redeem gift cards as soon as they are received to avoid possible problems down the road with the retailer's solvency," BBB said on its website. "Businesses that have entered into the liquidation process will not be around for very long and BBB advises consumers who are holding gift cards spend them as soon as possible or risk getting stuck with a worthless piece of plastic."