01 June 2023 , 10:47
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Toys R Us is returning to the UK high street next week - five years after it collapsed into administration and closed all its stores.
The popular toy retailer will open nine concessions within WH Smith shops - with the first new store to open on June 10 at WH Smith Monks Cross Retail Park in York.
This will be followed by new openings in Canterbury, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Cwmbran, Oxford, Poole, Reading and Solihull throughout the summer.
Each concession will feature a life-sized Geoffrey the Giraffe sculpture and will sell toy brands including Barbie, Fisher Price, Lego, Marvel and Peppa Pig.
Toys R Us collapsed into administration in 2018, with all its 100 UK shops closed as a result.
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The toy retailer sparked excitement in September last year when it relaunched its website just weeks before Christmas, selling around 14,000 toys from over 100 suppliers.
WHSmith High Street managing director Sean Toal said: “At WHSmith, we’re always exploring new opportunities to launch exciting, new product ranges to our customers on the high street, and our partnership with Toys R Us certainly does this!
“The brand has long been known for its exceptional range of toys and games and complements our existing offer well.
“Across each of the nine 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.”
Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us, added: “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.”
Toys R Us launched in the UK in 1985, when it emerged as the "world's first toy supermarket".
Last year, owner WHP Global signed an agreement with Toys R Us Australia to lead the brand's revival in the UK.
Full list of WH Smith stores where Toys R Us will open
Canterbury (St George Street)
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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)