Toys R Us to return to UK high streets with nine new stores

Toys R Us is set to be making a comeback, with nine stores opening across the UK. 

The first store will welcome shoppers next week (June 10) and marks the first time the retailer will be on the high street since 2018. 

The new shops, won’t be standalone stores like previously, they will be inside WHSmith stores. 

Customers will be able to buy a range of toys including brands like Barbie, Bluey, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels, Lego, Paw Patrol, Star Wars and more.

Similar to the way Argos is set up, shoppers will be able to browse and play with toys before ordering them digitally in-store. 

READ MORE: Asda, Tesco and Waitrose recall products – full list

List of locations: 

York (Monk Cross retail park) – opening June 10 
Canterbury (St George Street)
Chelmsford (High Street)
Cheltenham (High Street)
Cwmbran (The Mall)
Oxford (Cornmarket Street)
Poole (Towngate Shopping Centre)
Reading (Broad Street)
Solihull (Mell Square)

As for whether WHSmith plans to open any more stores following the nine above, Sean Toal, managing director of WHSmith High Street, told The Sun: “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 and, not forgetting, Geoffrey the Giraffe.”

Toys R Us collapsed in 2018 and closed all of its 100 UK branches, but following successful comebacks in the US and Australia, a new online store launched before Christmas 2022, and saw its popularity return.