Toys 'R' Us is returning to UK high streets with 16 locations set to open by Christmas, under a new partnership with retailer TGJones. The first store has already opened in Leeds, featuring dedicated spaces for Toys 'R' Us, the Post Office, Hobbycraft, Scribbler and Claire's.
TGJones, formerly WHSmith, plans to roll out the 'Hub of the High Street' concept to 15 further stores before Christmas, including in Birmingham, Godalming and Worcester. The stores will continue to sell WHSmith favourites such as stationery and books.
The move marks the return of Toys 'R' Us to physical UK stores after standalone outlets left the high street in 2018. The brand's iconic Christmas jingle and mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe will feature in new ranges of stationery and toys across TGJones stores.
TGJones CEO Seal Toal said: “Having recently completed the rebrand of all our stores to TGJones, we are looking forward to developing them into busy high street hubs, which we believe will give shoppers another reason to visit and provide the increase in footfall that’s vital if our high streets are to thrive.”
Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle said the concept taps into shifting shopping habits, where people want to complete multiple tasks in one trip and value human interaction. She added: “Bringing valued services and trusted brands together under one roof gives the high street something online can’t imitate.”
