Toys R Us is set to open an additional 37 new concessions in WHSmith stores before Christmas, with three new locations debuting every week from September 28 until the holiday season. The first 23 new store locations have already been revealed, kicking off with openings in Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton. This expansion marks the return of the iconic chain to the High Street, following the launch of concessions in WHSmith branches in June 2023. Currently, WHSmith houses Toys R Us concessions in 39 of its stores, with a total of 76 branches planned by the end of the current rollout.
The UK welcomed Toys R Us in 1985 as a prominent toy supermarket before its closure in 2018, leading to the shutdown of all 100 UK shops. Revival plans were announced in October 2022, with an exclusive partnership established with WHSmith. Managing director of WHSmith High Street, Sean Toal, expressed pride in overseeing the return of the beloved brand and highlighted the enthusiasm shown by customers at recent store openings. Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us, emphasized that the collaboration with WHSmith provides a fitting platform for the brand’s comeback and aims to offer families convenient access to a diverse range of toys and games.
The list of new Toys R Us stores includes locations such as 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, and Kings Lynn. With this expansion, Toys R Us seeks to recreate the enchanting shopping experience for customers across the country, in time for the festive season. The return of Toys R Us to the UK’s retail landscape reflects a nostalgic and eagerly anticipated comeback for many families and toy enthusiasts.