Toys R Us has confirmed it plans to open new stores just in time for Christmas.

The American children's toy retailer has announced that three shop-in-shops will open every week between September 28 and the festive season across the UK.

37 new locations will open within WHSmith stores, including nearby Bath and Newbury, but not Swindon. 

This is despite Toys R Us being a huge source of nostalgia for Swindon locals with its huge Oxford Road store, and WHSmith being headquartered in the town. 

Toys R Us went bust in February 2018, shutting the doors on all its 100 shops and resulting in the loss of more than 2,000 jobs.

It announced plans for a relaunch in October 2022, before striking an exclusive deal with WH Smith for concessions in the UK.

Managing director of WHSmith High Street Sean Toal said: "We've had queues around the block for many openings in the last year which tells you just how much people are loving seeing Toys R Us back again. 

"But our job isn't done yet, and I'm pleased to be bringing the magic of Toys R Us to even more customers over the coming months ready for the best time of year – Christmas!"

WHSmith and Toys R Us toys and games buying manager, Michelle Phillips, has shared the top five toys and games for Christmas.

She said: "We're expecting Squishmallows to top the list of our bestselling toys this Christmas because we know they are really popular. 

"Ladbaby have also just released a hilarious new game dedicated to their sausage roll obsession likely to be a family favourite. 

"And we can't forget our very own Geoffrey the Giraffe who will be stocked in every Toys R Us store.

"Stocks are limited so make sure you pick them up from our stores as soon as you can."

The full list of new stores is here 

  • Bath
  • Leicester Gallowtree Gate
  • Bexleyheath
  • Newark
  • Cardiff
  • Newbury
  • Carlisle
  • Plymouth
  • Chipping Norton
  • Scarborough
  • Coventry
  • Southampton
  • Dumfries
  • Southport
  • Dunfermline
  • St Annes
  • Eastbourne
  • Truro
  • Fareham
  • Weymouth
  • Havant
  • Yeovil
  • Kings Lynn

The Toys R Us in Swindon closed in 2018 when the company was plunged into administration, and uncertainty still surrounded the future of the former Toys R Us store – almost three years after the retailer's collapse.

But the site is now the home of a big Go Outdoors store.