WHSmith is set to open 37 new Toys ‘R’ Us shop-in-shops across the UK before Christmas.
- This expansion will add to the existing 39 stores, with openings starting on 28 September.
- Sean Toal, WHSmith’s high street managing director, expressed pride in reviving the Toys ‘R’ Us brand.
- The new outlets will launch in Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton first.
- The initiative is part of a weekly rollout leading up to the festive season.
WHSmith is poised to strengthen its alliance with Toys ‘R’ Us by unveiling 37 additional shop-in-shops in the approaching months, thereby expanding on the previously established 39 locations. This move signals significant growth and commitment towards revitalising the Toys ‘R’ Us presence in the UK retail sector.
The inaugural set of new stores is slated to commence operations on 28 September, strategically choosing Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton as the initial locations. This methodical approach showcases WHSmith’s tactical planning in bolstering its retail footprint and engaging with localised markets.
Sean Toal, the managing director for WHSmith’s high street division, has articulated the essence of nostalgia and excitement surrounding the Toys ‘R’ Us brand. He stated, “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.” His remarks underscore the emotional and commercial value associated with this deployment.
Toal further emphasised WHSmith’s dedication to customer satisfaction by highlighting past successes: “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.” Such customer enthusiasm bolsters the rationale for ongoing investment and expansion efforts.
WHSmith plans to sustain this momentum by opening an average of three new Toys ‘R’ Us outlets each week, leading up to the Christmas period. This plan not only seeks to captivate holiday shoppers but also aims to solidify the alliance between the two iconic retail brands.
The strategic expansion of Toys ‘R’ Us outlets within WHSmith stores underscores a promising revival of the beloved brand, aligning with customer enthusiasm and market demand during the festive season.
