Iconic 90s chain with over 120 locations announces closure of ‘only toy shop within miles’ leaving shoppers gutted
AN iconic 90s chain with more than 120 sites in the UK has announced the closure of “the only toy shop within miles” as shoppers are left gutted.
Smyths Toys in Salisbury, Wiltshire, will close for good in January.
The branch, on the Churchill Way West Retail Park, will become a new Lidl supermarket.
HomeSense, which is based next door will also “vacate the site,” according to a planning application for the new Lidl outlet, who have confirmed plans for the supermarket.
Smyths posted a statement on social media, saying: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of our Smyths Toys Superstores location in Salisbury, effective January 2025.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff and loyal customers who have supported us over the years.
“We understand the impact this may have on the community and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for our employees.
“As we approach the closure date, we invite our customers to visit us this Christmas to enjoy our range of toys and games.
“Thank you for being a part of the Smyths Toys family in Salisbury.
“We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”
Fans of the toy brand were gutted to hear the news.
One person wrote on a local Facebook group page: “I hope not we need Smyths as it’s the only toy shop in Salisbury.”
Another said: “Great. Just great. The only toy shop within miles replaced by another supermarket.”
While a third added: “Noo! We use Smyths and HomeSense all the time!!!”
A fourth person simply posted: “No, no, no……!!!!!!!!!”
A planning application was previously submitted to Wiltshire Council to make changes to units 1 and 2 of the retail park in order to accommodate the Lidl store.
Urban Edge Architecture, on behalf of Schroders Real Estate Investment Management, said reconfiguring the units, along with work to the car parking areas and service yard at the back, were necessary to bring the budget store to the site.
Lidl has confirmed the plan, with the new supermarket being the chain’s second store in Salisbury with one already in Hatches Lane.
Lidl said the need for a second was “driven by growing local demand for the discounter’s high-quality, affordable products”.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
A spokesperson said the store will feature a sales area of 1,453sq m, including a bakery and ‘Middle of Lidl’ aisle.
There will also be customer toilets with baby-changing facilities and ample parking.
A spokesperson added: “It will also create around 40 new jobs in the area with new starters benefiting from some of the highest pay rates in the sector.”
It comes after Smyths fans were raving after a savvy shopper spotted an amazing discount code that helps parents get £10 off Christmas presents.
Smyths has more than 100 stores across the UK and you can find your nearest one by using the locator tool on its website.
It comes after Aldi and Lidl have confirmed the relaunch of their popular wooden toy range with prices starting at just £1.99.
And shoppers will be pleased to know one of Britain’s favourite bargain stores will be extending its opening hours to help shoppers over the Christmas period.
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