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Toys R Us pronounces full listing of shops returning to UK for Christmas

Toys R Us has confirmed plans to open 37 new locations within WHSmith stores just in time for Christmas.

The famous children’s toy retailer has announced that three shop-in-shops will open every week between September 28 and Christmas across the UK.

Bexleyheath, Eastbourne and Southampton will be the first new stores to open their doors to shoppers who will be preparing for festive period.

The first Toys R Us shop-in-shops opened in 2023 and the number of locations has since grown to 39.

In the coming months, WH Smith will open a batch of new Toys R Us stores, resulting in 76 concessions in total across UK high streets.

Toys R Us is set to open 37 new stores in the coming months ahead of the Christmas period

Toys R Us is set to open 37 new stores in the coming months ahead of the Christmas period

The famous chain collapsed in 2018 and shut the doors to all of its 100 UK branches after administrators failed to find a buyer

The famous chain collapsed in 2018 and shut the doors to all of its 100 UK branches after administrators failed to find a buyer 

The well-known chain collapsed in 2018 and shut the doors to all of its 100 UK branches after administrators failed to find a buyer – resulting in the loss of 3,000 jobs.

But, plans for its relaunch were announced in October 2022 before an exclusive deal was signed with WHSmith.

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!’ 

WHSmith and Toys R Us toys and games buying manager, Michelle Phillips, has shared the top five toys and games to watch out over the Christmas period.

She said: ‘In Toys R Us we offer so many different brands and have a wide range of choice for the whole family. 

‘We’re expecting Squishmallows to top the list of our bestselling toys this Christmas because we know they are really popular. 

‘Ladbaby have also just released a hilarious new game dedicated to their sausage roll obsession likely to be a family favourite. 

‘And we can’t forget our very own Geoffrey the Giraffe who will be stocked in every Toys R Us store. Stocks are limited so make sure you pick them up from our stores as soon as you can.’

Full list of new Toys R Us stores opening in UK ahead of Christmas

  • Bath 
  • Cardiff 
  • Newbury 
  • Carlisle 
  • Plymouth 
  • Chipping Norton 
  • Scarborough 
  • Coventry 
  • Southampton 
  • Dumfries 
  • Southport 
  • Dunfermline 
  • St Annes 
  • Eastbourne 
  • Truro 
  • Fareham 
  • Weymouth 
  • Havant 
  • Yeovil 
  • Kings Lynn
  • Newark
  • Leicester 
  • Gallowtree Gate 
  • Bexleyheath 

Additional locations will be announced shortly, the retailer said.