Hamleys eyes up move to Liverpool

Aug 13 2007 By David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

Hamleys toy store in London

IT IS perhaps the world’s most famous toy store, trading for 250 years from its iconic store on Regent Street.

And now Hamleys, the London fun emporium which rivals Harrods in terms of being a tourist pull for millions every year, could be about to open a 20,000 sq ft store in Liverpool.

The Baugur-owned company has confirmed it is looking at opening “standalone” stores away from the capital. Sources believe the company wants to open in Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

It is thought the expansion plans will follow the trial of 6,000 sq ft Hamley concessions in department store House of Fraser, which is also owned by Baugur.

The first concessions are due to open in House of Fraser stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham this September.

Hamleys is understood to have already looked at Grosvenor’s £1bn Liverpool One development and a site in Glasgow city centre as first options for the stores.

A Hamleys spokeswoman confirmed the retailer was interested in standalone stores, but would not talk locations.

She added: “Hamleys wants to review how its concessions are received before opening standalone stores.”

Hamleys also has airport stores in the UK, at Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester, the latter of which could go in Liverpool’s favour as the company looks to extend its reach and presence.

Another big attraction for the retailer when it looks at Grosvenor is that, because it is a brand new site, it is easier to customise space.

However, with 75% of space at Grosvenor now let or under contract, the firm may have to move fast to get the space.

Liverpool One is due to open next year after anchor tenants John Lewis and Debenhams have moved into their new stores.

davidhiggerson@dailypost.co.uk