A Dorset town is set for a magical Christmas as a toy store plans to open its doors.

Toys R Us has revealed plans to open 37 new stores in the UK – with sights set on Weymouth.

The toy shop chain went bust in February 2018, shutting the doors on all of 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 WHSmith for concessions in the UK.

Now though, Toys R Us has revealed it will be opening in WHSmith stores every week between September 28 and Christmas according to reports.

At present, the closest Toys R Us is located at Towngate Shopping Centre in Poole.

Upon hearing the news, Dominique Manasseri, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce said: "We are thrilled to welcome Toys R Us to Weymouth, as it represents not only an exciting addition to our retail landscape but also a boost to the local economy.

"This investment underscores Weymouth's appeal as a vibrant destination for families and shoppers alike.

"We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community, from job creation to enhancing our town’s attractiveness as a shopping hub."

The full list of towns and cities that are set for a Toys R Us store is:

  • 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

Managing director of WHSmith High Street, Sean Toal, said: “Nearly 40 years ago Toys R Us first came to the UK, and we take great pride in being the steward of this much-loved brand in the UK. 

“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 added: “In Toys R Us we offer so many different brands and have a wide range of choice for the whole family. 

“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.”