Members of staff are currently hard at work sorting out the finishing touches of the new Smyths Toy Store opening in Swindon today.

The Adver was given a sneak peek of the store before opening and the former empty unit is now packed full of toys from floor to ceiling after staff spent two weeks unloading over 150 pallets and stocking shelves. 

The brand new store will be offering video games, all manner of toys and even a dedicated nursery/baby section when it has its grand opening tomorrow (Thursday, May 5). 

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon Advertiser:

The store's manager, Adrian Brown, said how proud he was of his staff for helping to get the store ready for the big moment.

"Stock started arriving on April 23, and since then it's been a lot of long days and hard work to get everything ready," he said. 

"But we've had an amazing group of shopfitters from Smyths, and the team themselves have been a real credit to the company for everything they've done."

The store's imminent opening follows months of anticipation from Swindon residents ever since it was announced last year that the former Mothercare unit would be transformed into the latest store from the popular Irish-based toy chain.

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon Advertiser: Construction work on the building began around September last year to fix an issue with the roof and to generally get the store ready for the hundreds and hundreds of toys that it's now filled with.

For the people of Swindon, it's an exciting new store that will bring back the nostalgic memories of Toys R Us, but it's also a huge boost to the Greenbridge area that has seen several big companies departing, with Argos most recently closing up there.  

The store represents a significant investment from Smyths with Adrian suggesting millions had been spent on it, although he wasn't able to give an exact figure. 

It has also brought a lot of jobs to the area, with over 50 staff members at the time of opening. 

The store's grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting, with children of staff members doing the honours.

There will be a DJ, balloons, candy floss and character meet and greets throughout the next few days from the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Paw Patrol, and Cocomelon. 

"We're really excited to finally open and we're hoping to put on a fun party atmosphere," Adrian added. 

"It's going to be a really lovely celebratory opportunity for everyone."