Toys”R”Us makes UK return with WHSmith partnership

Toys”R”Us is set to make its return to UK high streets through a store-in-store trial partnership with retail giant WHSmith.

The toys and games retailer’s first concession will open in the WHSmith store at York’s Monks Cross Shopping Park on June 10, followed by a further eight in Canterbury, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Cwmbran, Oxford, Poole, Reading and Solihull.

The store-in-stores will feature demonstration tables, interactive experiences, and offer products from a range of brands such a LEGO, Star Wars, Bluey, and others.

The trial will last 12 months, with a possible extension if an agreement is reached.

The managing director for WHSmith’s high street division, Sean Toal, said: “At WHSmith, we’re always exploring new opportunities to launch exciting new product ranges to our customers on the high street, and our partnership with Toys R Us certainly does this.”

Toys”R”Us went bust in the UK in 2018, shutting 100 sites. However the retailer returned in the form of an online retailer last year, launching dedicated online stores for both Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us.