GREAT news for kids (and us parents) as famous toy store Toys ‘R’ Us is returning to the UK – and we couldn’t be more excited.
The ‘magical’ toy store collapsed in 2018 and shut all of its 100 stores. However, it’s been announced that 9 Toys ‘R’ Us stores will reopen soon – with one launching within WEEKS.
It means children and parents will once again be able to shop inside the ‘magical’ toy shop.
The new toy stores will open within WH Smiths stores across the country, and will sell popular brands such as Barbie, Bluey, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels and many more.
So, how will it work?
Each of the in-store Toys ‘R’ Us sections will feature a demonstration area where there will be the opportunity to try products out-of-the-box and see toys and games being demonstrated, before customers can pick up their favourite products from shelves.
The first Toys ‘R’ Us store to reopen will be in York’s Monks Cross WH Smiths store On June 10, with more set to open in the near future.
Where will the new stores be?
The full list of stores opening across the UK are as follows:
- Canterbury (St George Street)
- Chelmsford (High Street)
- Cheltenham (High Street)
- Cwmbran (The Mall)
- Oxford (Cornmarket Street)
- Poole (Towngate Shopping Centre)
- Reading (Broad Street)
- Solihull (Mell Square)
- York (Monks Cross retail park)
Sean Toal, managing director of WHSmith High Street, said: ‘The brand has long been known for its exceptional range of toys and games and complements our existing offer well.
‘Across each of the 9 locations, we have a great team of colleagues who look forward to welcoming many new and existing customers over the coming weeks and showcasing the new store layout and, not forgetting, Geoffrey the Giraffe.’
The brand first announced it would make a comeback in October 2021, but it’s all been very quiet since then.
It comes after shops reopened in the US and Australia.
‘A magical place’
For many children, Toys ‘R’ Us holds special memories and was the first place they would visit when it was their birthday and at Christmas.
In November the eagerly awaited Toys ‘R’ Us adverts would signal the start of Christmas and proved as popular as those from the likes of John Lewis.
The same lyrics every year: ‘There’s a magical place, we’re on our way there, with toys in their millions, all under one roof – it’s called… Toys ‘R’ Us!’ will still resonate with millions worldwide.
And it was the place to queue outside of when the latest toy was released.
It was a sad day for many children, parents and more than 3,000 staff when the shelves began to empty and stores began to close across the country 6 years ago.
‘I can’t wait to take the kids again’
The relaunch news has been welcomed by parents who can’t wait to take their children again.
Discussing the re-openings on social media, one mum said: ‘This is unbelievable, I can’t wait to take the kids again. It’s actually happening! I hope it thrives.’
Another added: ‘Ommmmmg Toys ‘R’ Us is really coming back, this is the best news.’
Read more news below, or chat the iconic shop’s return with other parents in the Netmums Forum.
