Toys R Us is back and opening 37 new stores in the UK - see full list

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Toys R Us is set to make a significant comeback on the UK high street, with plans to open 37 new concessions within WH Smith stores by Christmas. This expansion builds on the existing partnership between the two retailers, which began in June last year with the opening of the first Toys R Us concessions in WH Smith stores.

The number of locations has since grown to 39, and with the new rollout, a total of 76 WH Smith stores will feature a Toys R Us concession by the end of the year. The first 23 locations have been announced, with the remaining sites to be revealed later this year.

Starting from September 28, three new Toys R Us shop-in-shops will open every week in the lead-up to Christmas, with Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton among the first locations. Toys R Us initially launched in the UK in 1985 as the "world's first toy supermarket" but went into administration in 2018, resulting in the closure of all 100 UK stores.

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However, plans for a relaunch were announced in October 2022, followed by an exclusive deal with WH Smith. Managing director of WHSmith High Street, Sean Toal, expressed excitement about the return of the iconic toy store: "Nearly 40 years ago, Toys R Us first came to the UK, and we take great pride in being the steward of this much-loved brand in the UK. We've had queues around the block for many openings in the last year which tells you just how much people are loving seeing Toys R Us back again. But our job isn't done yet, and I'm pleased to be bringing the magic of Toys R Us to even more customers over the coming months ready for the best time of year Christmas! ".

Last year, Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us, discussed the partnership with optimism: "Our new Toys R Us shop-in-shops at WHSmith create the perfect home for Toys R Us as it returns to the UK high street shopping scene. With this collaboration, we are not only bringing back the beloved Toys R Us experience but also providing convenient access to a wide range of toys and games. Together, we hope to create a magical and joyful shopping destination for families across the country.", reports the Mirror.

This development comes on the heels of WH Smiths announcement that like-for-like revenue in its travel shops jumped 7% in the year ending August 31, contributing to a 5% increase in overall turnover. The retailer, boasting 1,100 outlets across the UK, has reported strong performance in its travel division during the important spring and summer periods, supported by robust passenger numbers.

Toys R Us list of first 23 new stores

Bath

Leicester Gallowtree Gate

Bexleyheath

Newark

Cardiff

Newbury

Carlisle

Plymouth

Chipping Norton

Scarborough

Coventry

Southampton

Dumfries

Southport

Dunfermline

St Annes

Eastbourne

Truro

Fareham

Weymouth

Havant

Yeovil

Kings Lynn