Every kid dreams of running through a toy shop picking something they love from the shelf.
Thirty kids got that chance on Friday morning when they were first to race through the rainbow-coloured aisles of Toymate, Canberra's biggest toy store, which opened at the Majura Park shopping centre.
The children won a competition to spend a $20 gift voucher and the choice was almost overwhelming.
There are more than 12,000 toys in the 1560-square-metre store, now housed in part of the centre where Toys 'R' Us used to be until it closed down last year.
Toymate founder and CEO Danny Bloom said Toymate was excited to be in Canberra, with 25 staff on board.
"We are constantly on an innovation mission to provide a unique shopping and play experience for children and parents," he said.
"The future of retail is entertainment and experience shopping. We are bringing toys to life with interactive store experiences. We want children to walk in and just get lost with excitement and enjoyment throughout every step of the shop." The shop also features a parent room and entertainment area.
The shop will features a parent room, entertainment area, a large area dedicated to baby gear and preschool toys.
To celebrate the grand opening, Toymate is throwing a weekend festival of family fun on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. There will be free activities, face painting and balloon bending, fairy floss, popcorn, craft and prizes.
Canberra Airport head of property Richard Snow was thrilled to see the store open.
"Toymate has an excellent reputation, is known for its outstanding customer service, price-match promise and great in-store experience. It's a perfect fit for shoppers at Majura Park," he said.
