WHSmith is set to extend its tie-up with Toys R Us into more stores in time for retail’s peak trading period.

Toys R Us in WHSmith Fosse Park branch

WHSmith is to open more Toys R Us shop-in-shops in time for Christmas

WHSmith intends to open another 37 Toys R Us shop-in-shops, bringing the total to 76 from 39 at present. 

WHSmith disclosed initial Toys R Us roll-out plans earlier this year, and will now launch three every week between the end of September and Christmas. 

Toys R Us shut its UK stores in 2018 after collapsing into administration but returned in June last year when WHSmith opened the first shop-in-shop in its York Monks Cross branch.

The latest openings willl “bring a wide range of the latest toys and games to more families and customers, giving them more reasons to visit and shop with WHSmith during a key time of the year”.

WHSmith High Street managing director Sean Toal said: “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.

”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. I’m pleased to be bringing the magic of Toys“R”Us to even more customers over the coming months ready for the best time of year – Christmas.”

The next round of WHSmith Toys R Us openings will be in Bexleyheath, Eastbourne and Southampton. 

This year WHSmith expects Squishmallows to be its bestselling toy; it will also sell Geoffrey the Giraffe plushies in all the Toys R Us branches.