Popular toy shop Hamleys has closed its Cardiff store. The world famous toy shop, which has stores all across the UK and has been operating as a business since the 1700s, had a unit on the ground floor of the St David's shopping centre.
However, the shutters of the store are now down, the shelves appear to be empty, and a notice has been put up in the window to say that the store has closed. The sign reads: "After 10 years Hamleys is now closed. We thank you for your custom", before listing details for any returns."
No explanation has been given for the closure - or what will happen to the staff who had been working there.
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Hamleys opened its first store in Wales at the Cardiff site back in 2012, just in time for Christmas. The opening saw a host of children's entertainers and costumed characters appearing to greet customers at the 1,000 sq ft shop. It became a popular shop for parents and children over the years and it hit the headlines in 2018 after slashing its prices on Christmas Eve 2018.
Hamleys toy shop is famous for its flagship outlet on Regent Street in London. With its Regent Street store set out over seven floors and featuring a sweet shop, as well as coffee, teas, and cakes, Hamleys also has stores in Oxford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and various locations across England. The store first opened in 1760, originated by William Hamley as 'Noah's Ark' on High Holborn, London. It is the oldest and largest toy shop in the world.
Hamleys has been contacted for comment.
