Toys R Us will be coming to Richmond after WHSmith announced it will open 17 new stores this summer.

39 Toys R Us shops-in-shops will open within WHSmith stores by the end of August, the retailer has said – nine of which are already open.

The toy brand went bust in February 2018, closing all of its 100 shops with more than 2,000 job cuts.

Proposals to revive Toys R Us were announced in October 2022, prior to a deal being struck with WHSmith to open stores in the UK.

Sean Toal, Managing Director, High Street said: "I was very pleased to announce recently that WHSmith would be bringing Toys"R"Us to even more towns and cities across the UK.

"We've now signed an exclusive agreement to open a further 30 shop-in-shops over the summer months, all around the UK.

"From Hereford to Hastings, today we've unveiled the first 17 locations for the new Toys"R"Us stores in WHSmith.

"Not only is this an exceptionally exciting time for our colleagues and customers, but we're also proud to be bucking the trend by continuing to invest in the UK high street."

The 17 new Toys R Us stores due to open within WHSmith shops are:

• Hereford, Herefordshire
• Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
• Shrewsbury, Shropshire
• Fosse Park, Leicester
• Guildford, Surrey
• Sutton, south London
• Salisbury, Wiltshire
• Victoria shopping centre, Nottingham
• Maidstone, Kent
• Woking, Surrey
• Hastings, East Sussex
• Thurrock, Essex
• Newton Abbot, Devon
• Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Lancaster, Lancashire
• George Street, Richmond, London
• Taunton, Somerset

Toal added: "Our partnership with Toys"R"Us epitomises this and shows exactly what we are about.

"We're known for being the Hub of the High Street by providing customers with a range of great products and services, from books and stationery to Post Office services across 200 locations.

"With Toys"R"Us set to be in a further 30 stores by the end of August this gives customers even more reasons to shop with us.

"Retail has that entrepreneurial spirit and I know that many retailers are doing everything they can to make their stores a success, making the sector a major contributor to the economy and significant employer along the way.

"That's why I'm delighted that Toys"R"Us will be in more WHSmith stores in the future, ensuring our High Streets can continue to deliver the magic for future generations."

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