WHSmith has announced it will be opening 37 new Toys “R” Us shops in time for the festive season.

The retailer will open an average of three Toys “R” Us outlets each week, taking the total number of Toys “R” Us concessions in its shops to 76.

The toy retailer closed in 2018, and WHSmith entered into an agreement in 2022 to open Toys “R” Us concessions in its stores.

Around 15 per cent of WHSmith stores will feature a Toys “R” Us concession by the end of the year. WHSmith said it is committed to bringing a wide range of toys and games to families on the High Street.

Concessions will be opening in several towns, including Bath, Cardiff, and Carlisle.

“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,” said Sean Toal, Managing Director of WHSmith High Street. “We’ve had queues around the block for many openings in the last year, which tells you just how much people are loving seeing Toys “R” Us back again.”

Last month, WHSmith launched its own brand café format as part of its UK travel business and opened the first Smith’s Kitchen in Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. The retailer said the menu has been designed for hospital customers, including NHS staff, offering a range of coffee and food items to eat in the café and to take away.

---