Toys R Us to return to UK high streets next year thanks to new WH Smith deal
TOYS R US has revealed it is returning to the high street as part of a deal with WH Smith.
It marks the first time the retailer will back as a store since 2018.
The toy shop is currently selling 14,000 toys from over 100 different suppliers online, but now it will be reopening stores.
New branches could be popping up within WH Smith stores by next year.
It’s signed on for a year-long trial at least, beginning with nine new openings during the first six months.
It’s not yet been revealed where the shops will open up initially – The Sun has asked and we’ll update the story when we know more.
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The announcement was first revealed by The Sun earlier this year – said to be “a completely different experience” to what shoppers remember.
The new trial will focus on Toys R Us only – not including sister firm Babies R Us.
The counters will be a similar style to that of Argos counters within Sainsbury’s stores.
Right now, customers can order toys from its online store and get free delivery on all orders over £20 and next-day delivery on order placed before 6pm.
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Toys by Lego, Marvel and Star Wars are on sale online as well as every day arts and crafts supplies from Crayola and Play-Doh.
Toys for children aged 18months and all the way up to those aged 11 plus are available to buy on the site.
The website says: “We’re back! We can’t wait to develop and grow with you and your loved ones, over the coming weeks, months and years!”
The new stores will begin to appear during the first half of 2023, with potential to expand after the year if the trial is successful.
Toys R Us chief executive Louis Mittoni said: “Toys R Us and Babies R Us are much-loved brands in the UK, and our teams have described this as ‘returning home’, not just a relaunch.”
The iconic chain collapsed in 2018 and closed all of its 100 UK branches, but announced plans for a relaunch in October last year.
The UK relaunch follows successful attempts to make a comeback in the US and Australia.
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The new stores could stock up to 40,000 products, which can be delivered to store customers in seconds.
There are plans for larger stores as well as smaller branches, but a list of areas hasn’t been announced yet.