Childhood favourite shop Toys 'R' Us announces return to the UK

Virgin Radio

28 Oct 2021, 16:05

We guarantee you’re singing the jingle in your head – but the good news is that Toys “R” Us is returning to our shores after the firm went bust four years ago.

Both Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us will be making a comeback from next year.

It was announced yesterday that a long-term exclusive licence agreement has been signed to relaunch physical stores in the UK.

The firm went under back in 2018 after online sales took over from high street stores, and they couldn’t keep up with online shopping. 

UK and the US closed their doors permanently back in 2018, however the Canadian arm of the brand remained.

Thanks to the success of the chain in Canada, as well as a digital relaunch in Australia, the shops will be coming back to the UK.

Yehuda Shmidman, Chairman and CEO ToysR Us, said: “We selected Toys 'R' Us ANZ as our partner to expand into the United Kingdom because of their proven success in launching with us in Australia under the leadership of their CEO, Dr Louis Mittoni.

“Toys 'R' Us today is a vibrant business with over 900 stores and e-commerce sites across 25 plus countries generating over $2billion a year in sales and growing, especially with the new launches underway for both the US and UK markets.”

Dr Louis Mittoni, CEO and Managing Director of Toys R Us ANZ, added: “Tailoring our successful Australian relaunch plan to the UK echoes the success of other e-commerce ‘platform play’ businesses that have delivered growth and value due to their ability to quickly and cost effectively expand their software, processes, partner relationships and brands into new countries.

“Since Toys 'R' Us returned to Australia in June 2019, we have scaled quickly as customers returned to the much-loved brand and our e-commerce model has proven its success.

“My team and I are looking forward to developing technical and commercial relationships with UK-based vendors and partners and to engage with the many loyal Toys 'R' Us former customers and fans in the UK.”

Fans will be thrilled about the return of a nostalgic favourite.

One pleaded on Twitter: “If you are indeed making a comeback to the UK, PLEASE for all of us 80's & 90's kids, show the original advert on TV this Christmas with Geoffrey 769k views on YouTube! Fond memories of visiting when I was a kid. It's a magical place we're on our way there”