Yahoo News Toys R Us set for comeback with dozens of new UK stores
Retailer Toys R Us is ready for a comeback - with plans to open dozens of new concessions. The concessions will be based with WHSmith stores by Christmas and comes as part of an existing partnership between the two retailers.
It is expected that a total of 76 WHSmith 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.
The retailer was once a big favourite with North Staffordshire families and had a sprawling store on Festival Park. It was back in 1988 when it launched to great excitement.
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In 2016 the branch relocated to the opposite end of the stretch of retail units, taking over the former Comet store. But declining sales, and other external factors, resulted in the store and wider brand closing in 2018, bringing to an end Geoffrey the Giraffe’s tenure as the face of the most popular place to get all your toys under one roof.
At this point North Staffordshire has not been mentioned as destination for a new Toys R Us. 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.
Plans for a relaunch were announced in October 2022, followed by an exclusive deal with WHSmith. Sean Toal, managing director of WHSmith High Street, said: "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!"
Toys R Us list of confirmed 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
Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us, commented last year: "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."
