Is the traditional toy store vanishing from the British high street? Is The Entertainer, the UK’s largest toy retailer, pulling back due to deeper industry issues, or is it simply evolving to meet new demands?
These are the questions surfacing across towns and cities as The Entertainer confirms multiple store closures throughout the UK. The news has sparked concern among families, shoppers, and retail workers who grew up with the brand and viewed it as a staple of community life. Yet, as the retail landscape shifts, so does the strategy of even the most iconic companies.
In this blog, we examine the real reasons behind the closures, explore the brand’s new direction, and uncover what the UK toy chain Entertainer store closure says about the state of modern retail.
Why Has The Entertainer Closed Several of Its Stores in the UK?
Over the past year, The Entertainer has shut down several stores across the UK, including high street locations in Dundee, Edinburgh, Luton, Croydon, Poole, and Barrow-in-Furness. On the surface, these closures might suggest financial trouble. However, the company insists this is not the case.
Andrew Murphy OBE, Group Chief Executive at The Entertainer, explained:
“Like most large national retailers, we continuously assess potential new locations while deciding whether to renew those shops which have reached the end of their lease arrangements.”
The closures are part of a strategic consolidation plan. The company is moving away from underperforming or costly standalone stores and focusing resources on more profitable locations, Tesco concessions, and its online platform.
Which UK Locations Have Recently Seen Entertainer Store Closures?
Store closures have been confirmed in the following towns and cities between late 2024 and mid-2025:
| Location | Centre/Street | Closure Date | Reason Stated |
| Dundee | Wellgate Centre | Jan 2025 | Lease not renewed |
| Edinburgh | Cameron Toll | Jan 2025 | Shift to stronger location |
| Luton | Luton Point | Jan 2025 | Lease ended |
| Croydon | Whitgift Centre | Feb 2025 | Declining footfall |
| Barrow-in-Furness | Dalton Road | May 2025 | No longer profitable |
| Wandsworth | Town Centre | Early 2025 | Business costs |
| Poole | Town Centre | Early 2025 | Lease expiry |
| Brent Cross | Shopping Centre | 2025 | Strategic relocation |
| Haslemere | High Street | 2025 | Shift in consumer traffic |
In many cases, the closures reflect local factors, lower foot traffic, rising operational costs, or leases ending without renewal options. Some of these locations are being replaced by Tesco concessions or relocated to higher-performing areas.
Are Rising Business Costs Forcing These Closures?
While The Entertainer remains Britain’s biggest toy chain, rising operational costs have created undeniable pressure.
One insider explained that increased National Insurance contributions, energy costs, and local rates have made running some stores commercially unviable. In several cases, such as in Barrow-in-Furness, it was simply a matter of the shop not being profitable anymore.
Keith Stenhouse, Head of Region at The Entertainer, commented on the Barrow closure:
“We are sad to be closing our Barrow-in-Furness store as of 3rd May and would like to thank our customers and staff for their loyalty and support.”
The company reiterated that closures are not a sign of financial instability but rather the result of a changing retail economy where only certain types of locations are sustainable.
What Was the Community Impact of Closing Stores Like Barrow-in-Furness?
Some closures had a strong emotional and local impact, particularly in towns where the store played a community role.
In Barrow-in-Furness, for instance, The Entertainer had replaced the former Argos on Dalton Road in 2017 and had since become a fixture in the town centre. It wasn’t just a place to buy toys, it became known for engaging with local charities and creating a welcoming space for families.
John Edwards, a former manager of the Barrow store, shared his experience:
“I’m incredibly sad about this. The Entertainer was a dream job for seven years. We worked so hard to make it a part of the community, it was more than a shop. It was somewhere kids were excited to go.”
The store regularly hosted events, supported Business Improvement District (BID) initiatives, and even donated toys to the children’s ward at Furness General Hospital. Its closure, Edwards said, is another “victim of retail parks” pulling footfall away from town centres.
Is The Entertainer Still Opening New Stores?
Interestingly, yes. Despite some closures, The Entertainer has continued to open stores in stronger-performing areas such as Exeter and Milton Keynes. These are seen as key investment locations, offering better footfall, lower lease costs, or proximity to family-oriented shopping centres.
At the same time, the company has scaled back or cancelled some planned openings due to financial and leasing challenges. Rising costs in 2024 and early 2025 caused a reassessment of several expansion plans.
What’s clear is that the retailer is not retreating, it’s redirecting its efforts towards more promising ground.
How Has The Entertainer’s Ownership Structure Changed?
In August 2025, founder Gary Grant officially transferred ownership of the company to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This move is designed to protect the long-term future of the business while empowering its workforce.
Under the EOT model, employees indirectly own shares in the company, giving them a greater stake in its success. Grant’s decision to step back was strategic, not reactive.
This transition helps The Entertainer retain its family values while embracing modern governance structures, making it more resilient in the current economic climate.
How Is The Tesco Partnership Changing the Way The Entertainer Operates?
One of the brand’s biggest strategic shifts has been its partnership with Tesco, which has placed Entertainer toy concessions in over 860 Tesco stores across the UK.
These “store-in-store” models offer customers:
- Easy access to toys during regular grocery shopping
- Extended opening hours
- Broader reach in suburban and rural areas
- Reduced overheads compared to standalone shops
This hybrid approach aligns with modern consumer behaviour, combining convenience with brand presence.
How Does In-Store Shopping Compare to Online and Tesco Concessions?
As shopping habits shift, retailers are experimenting with multiple formats. Here’s how each of The Entertainer’s channels stacks up:
| Feature | Standalone Stores | Tesco Concessions | Online Platform |
| Overhead Costs | High | Lower (shared resources) | Lowest |
| Customer Experience | Full brand experience | Limited but convenient | Remote and efficient |
| Product Range | Broad | Select stock only | Full catalogue |
| Accessibility | Urban high streets | Suburban/supermarket-based | Nationwide |
| Opening Hours | Standard retail hours | Aligned with Tesco hours | 24/7 |
The data shows that online and partner formats offer flexibility and scale, which explains the shift.
What Is the Future Outlook for The Entertainer?
Despite store closures, The Entertainer is far from retreating. The company maintains a robust network of over 160 standalone stores, nearly 1,000 Tesco locations, and a strong e-commerce platform.
New initiatives include:
- A Sunday trading trial starting September 2025
- Continued investment in successful locations
- Expanded digital capabilities and logistics
Rather than signalling decline, the UK toy chain Entertainer store closure reflects a strategic evolution — one that positions the brand for continued relevance in a changing marketplace.
FAQs About The Entertainer and the Toy Retail Landscape
Why has The Entertainer closed multiple stores?
Closures are due to rising costs and non-viable lease renewals, not financial instability.
Are these closures permanent or will some stores relocate?
Some closures may lead to relocations to better-performing or partner locations.
Is The Entertainer still operating in the UK?
Yes. It remains the UK’s largest toy retailer with over 1,000 operating sites.
How does employee ownership affect the company?
It ensures long-term sustainability and gives staff more involvement in business performance.
Can customers still shop in-store?
Absolutely. Stores are still open nationwide, especially within Tesco branches.
What’s the benefit of the Tesco partnership?
It brings toys to convenient locations with extended hours and shared operational costs.
Will more stores close in 2026?
The company will continue assessing leases, but is also planning expansions where viable.
