London’s famous Hamleys toystore is planning to open in the US for the first time and is seeking stores in major cities and airports.
The retailer, which claims to be the oldest toy shop in the world and whose landmark shop on London’s Regent street draws tourists from around the world, is considering stores in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago according to a report in UK trade journal Property Week. It is also looking to open small stores in at least 20 airports.
Hamleys embarked on an international expansion programme after it was bought by French retailer Groupe Ludendo in 2012. It was previously owned by a consortium of investors including the Icelandic bank Landsbanki, which collapsed in the financial crash.
The group traces its roots back to 1760 and moved to Regent Street in 1881. During the second world war it was bombed on several occasions.
In the UK, there are now Hamleys outlets in three airports including Heathrow and Stansted as well as shopping centres including Manchester’s Trafford Centre. The group now has nearly 40 stores across Europe, Asia and the Middle East including Kuala Lumpur airport, Mecca Mall in Jordon and stores in Russia, Cyprus, Sweden and Denmark.
British retailers have traditionally found it tough to succeed in the US with Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer all forced to retreat after enduring poor sales.
However, Ted Baker and Topshop have recently enjoyed success and cheap fashion outlet Primark is planning to open its first store there next year.
