WHSmith is gearing up for a significant expansion of its Toys ‘R’ Us partnership with plans to open 37 additional shop-in-shops before the Christmas season.
- This expansion follows the successful implementation of 39 existing store collaborations between WHSmith and Toys ‘R’ Us.
- The new openings will begin on September 28, starting with Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton among the first locations.
- The retail giant will then maintain a consistent pace, introducing about three new shop-in-shops each week leading up to Christmas.
- WHSmith’s high street managing director, Sean Toal, has expressed enthusiasm over reviving the beloved Toys ‘R’ Us brand in the UK market.
WHSmith, a well-known stationery retailer, is actively broadening its collaborative efforts with Toys ‘R’ Us by establishing 37 new shop-in-shop outlets in the coming months. This venture aims to boost the presence of Toys ‘R’ Us within the UK just in time for the bustling Christmas season.
The initiative is a continuation of a successful model already implemented, which has seen the creation of 39 such outlets. The collaboration initially set off in 2023 and has proved popular among customers, as highlighted by the queues observed at previous openings.
Beginning September 28, the first three locations to experience this expansion will be Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton. These areas will spearhead a broader rollout expected to maintain a brisk pace throughout the subsequent weeks.
In preparation for the holiday rush, WHSmith plans to establish an average of three new shop-in-shops weekly. This strategy not only revitalizes the nostalgic Toys ‘R’ Us name but is also designed to meet customer demands during the year’s most lucrative retail period.
Sean Toal, WHSmith’s high street managing director, recounted the legacy of Toys ‘R’ Us in the UK, expressing pride in bringing the cherished brand back to life. “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,” Toal noted.
As WHSmith continues to expand its partnership with Toys ‘R’ Us, the anticipated openings promise to enhance the iconic brand’s presence across the UK ahead of the festive season.
