Opening date set for Leicester's new Toys R Us store

A Toys R Us shop
-Credit: (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)


The opening date for Leicester's new Toys R Us store has been announced. The iconic toy retailer is set to make its return to the city with a grand opening event featuring special appearances and giveaways for early bird customers.

The new Toys R Us shop, which will be located within Leicester's WHSmith H store in Gallowtree Gate, marks a significant comeback for the brand. The toy store's iconic mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, will be on hand to greet visitors as the store opens in style to entice young and old.

Leicester's Toys R Us will feature a wide range of products from top toy brands, including Barbie, LEGO, Marvel, and Peppa Pig as well as interactive demonstration tables will allow children to engage hands-on with their favourite toys. As part of efforts to make the opening even more special, the first 50 children to arrive at the store will receive a free goody bag worth over £15.

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Ian Sanders, group commercial development director at WHSmith, said: "We're really excited to be opening Toys R Us in Leicester. Partnering with Toys R Us gives us a leading toys and games range in our stores and means customers have even more reasons to shop with us."

Toys R Us went bust in February 2018, shutting the doors on all its 100 shops and resulting in the loss of more than 2,000 jobs. It announced plans for a relaunch in October 2022, before striking an exclusive deal with WH Smith for concessions in the UK.

This opening is part of a larger rollout, with 37 WHSmith High Street stores across the UK set to feature Toys R Us shop-in-shops before Christmas. The Leicester store will also feature a life-size Geoffrey the Giraffe sculpture, offering a perfect photo opportunity for families visiting the new toy haven.

The new Leicester Toys R Us will open its doors on Saturday, October 12. The day will kick off at 8.30am with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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