BELOVED retailer Toys R Us is returning to Gloucestershire in a smaller form five years after disappearing from the UK.

It has been announced that Toys R Us has signed a sub-licence agreement with WHSmith to trial nine concession stores within existing shops across the country. 

This includes Cheltenham's WHSmith on the high street, which is set to open this summer.

The much-loved children’s toy retailer previously closed its store in St Ann Way near Gloucester Quays in 2018 

Seven other Toys R Us shops in the UK will also be opening inside WHSmith High Street stores throughout the summer:

  • York (Monks Cross Retail) opening Saturday, June 10 
  • Canterbury (St George Street)
  • Chelmsford (High Street)
  • Cwmbran (The Mall)
  • Oxford (Cornmarket Street)
  • Poole (Towngate Shopping Centre)
  • Reading (Broad Street)
  • Solihull (Mell Square)

Each Toys R Us concession shop will feature a range of products and activities from brands including Barbie, Bluey, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels, LEGO, Marvel, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Playmobil and Star Wars. 

Stroud News and Journal: Toys R Us is returning to Gloucestershire inside WHSmith in Cheltenham High Street Toys R Us is returning to Gloucestershire inside WHSmith in Cheltenham High Street (Image: Google Maps)

Stroud News and Journal: The former Toys R Us in St Ann Way which was shut down five years ago The former Toys R Us in St Ann Way which was shut down five years ago (Image: Google Maps)

Sean Toal, managing director, WHSmith High Street said: “At WHSmith, we’re always exploring new opportunities to launch exciting, new product ranges to our customers on the high street, and our partnership with Toys R Us certainly does this! 

“The brand has long been known for its exceptional range of toys and games and complements our existing offer well. 

“Across each of the nine locations, we have a great team of colleagues who look forward to welcoming many new and existing customers over the coming weeks and showcasing the new store layout and, not forgetting, Geoffrey the Giraffe!”

Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us said: "Our new Toys R Us shop-in-shops at WHSmith create the perfect home for Toys R Us as it returns to the UK high street shopping scene. 

“With this collaboration, we are not only bringing back the beloved ToysRUs experience but also providing convenient access to a wide range of toys and games. 

“Together, we hope to create a magical and joyful shopping destination for families across the country."