After almost a decade of being gone, Aberdeen shoppers can once again relive their childhood nostalgia as iconic toy store Toys ‘R’ Us has returned to the Granite City. This comes in the form of a “shop-in-shop”, as the brand appears inside the TG Jones, previously WHSmith, store in the St Nicholas Centre. A world of childhood favourite toys, adorably soft plushies, brain challenging puzzles and more has finally made its reemergence.
Previously, the legendary store appeared in two locations in Aberdeen, with one in Berryden Retail Park and another in Union Square. However, despite its iconic status among many, and large initial popularity, sales plummeted and debt mounted, leading to bankruptcy in 2017. This was followed by a failure to find a new buyer, with the company officially collapsing and all stores closing the following year, including the two in Aberdeen and another 100 across the UK. This was until its revival was revealed in 2024, where the aforementioned TG Jones announced the news of its partnership, a welcome announcement to many looking to take a trip through time, or even pass those joyous memories on to future generations. There will be plenty of opportunity across the UK to do so, as there are now open 146 stores, with 11 being in Scotland including the one in the St Nicholas Centre.
Craig McIntosh, the TGJones cluster manager said: “We’re delighted to bring the magic of Toys ‘R’ Us to Aberdeen. This new shop-in-shop will be filled with some of the UK’s favourite toy brands, giving more convenience for our customers who have always loved toy shopping from Toys ‘R’ Us.” The opening of the Aberdeen location took place in February, where the iconic Toys ‘R’ Us mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe welcomed a cluster of excited children, parents and entire families alike.
Speaking to a few of these people and you could sense the adulation as they spoke, as Toys ‘R’ Us’ return has meant not only a chance for many to relive many of their fondest memories as a child, but also creating new ones with children of their own. This is also seen on social media, where on a post showing off the shop, one person said “Omgoodness I have goosebumps I’m so excited. Will be taking my little girl here yaay!”, and another stating how it’s a “Blast from the past!”, along with many others expressing just how long they’ve been waiting for this to come and the happiness felt that it has.
