Toys R Us returning to Plymouth as 37 UK locations planned

The first locations have been revealed

Plymouth will once again have a Toys R Us - thanks to the retailer's ambitious plans to open 37 new concessions within WH Smith stores, just in time for the festive season.

While the store will not return to its iconic building on Western Approach, it will bring joy to many to see the much-loved brand back in the city.

WH Smith is gearing up for a toy takeover, confirming that three fresh Toys R Us shop-in-shops will spring up each week from September 28 until Christmas, making their debut in Bexleyheath, Eastbourne and Southampton.

The next 23 new store locations have been announced including Plymouth and Truro, with more sites to be revealed later this year. You can see the locations already announced in the list below.

Kicking off last June, the first Toys R Us concessions emerged within WH Smith's walls including one in Newton Abbot, reaching a tally of 39 to date. This surge in openings aims to notch up the figure to 76.

It was back in 1985 that Toys R Us revolutionised the UK market as the "world's first toy supermarket", reports the Mirror. But children across the country were left devastated after Toys R Us collapsed into administration in 2018, with all its 100 UK shops closed as a result.

Plans for the relaunch were announced in October 2022, with an exclusive deal being struck with WH Smith later confirmed.

Managing director of WHSmith High Street Sean Toal said: "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.

"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. But our job isn't done yet, and I'm pleased to be bringing the magic of Toys R Us to even more customers over the coming months ready for the best time of year Christmas!"

Speaking of the partnership last year, Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us, said: "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 list of new stores in WH Smith

• 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
• Kings Lynn

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