Toys R Us is expected to return to Oxford - but on a much smaller scale than its previous megastore.

The chain's warehouse-style retail outlet on Botley Road closed in 2018 after the chain went into administration, resulting in the loss of about 2,000 jobs nationwide.

Now, digital-first ecommerce direct-to-consumer retailer, Toys R Us ANZ Limited, has announced that it has signed an exclusive sub-licence agreement with WH Smith High Street Limited to trial nine Toys R Us store-in-store concessions in the UK.

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This includes Oxford's WH Smith in Cornmarket and all stores are scheduled to open in the first half of this year.

A planning application has been made to the city council to alter the WH Smith signage so that a Toys R Us sign is displayed next to it.

As outlined on the Australian Stock Exchange, the trial period commences upon the opening of the first in store arrangement and extends for a period of 12 months – or longer if mutually agreed.

This will include the sale of toys, games and family related products typically sold by Toys R Us.

Oxford Mail:

WH Smith is expected to pay Toys R Us a fixed percentage fee based on sales revenue generated.

The costs associated with operating installations will be carried out by WH Smith.

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Upon successful completion of the trial period, there could be a stage two roll-out of further installations.

It is not yet known how much space Toys R Us will be given in WH Smith but the unit does have two floors.

Hamleys opened a store at the Westgate Centre in 2021 but it closed in January.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: "Hamleys closed all their small format stores this year, and the Westgate store closed on January 28."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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