UK-based Hamleys, one of the world’s largest toy shops, is set to open its first store in Riyadh at Panorama Mall on Thursday.

The doors will open to the public at 4pm with opening day celebrations to include family entertainment such as face painting, clowns, balloon benders, magicians and the popular Hamleys’ bear mascot.

Introducing a fresh new concept store designed for the Saudi market, the 2,100 sq m Hamleys store will feature larger-than-life doll houses, dinosaurs, planes, race cars, popular children’s heroes such as Spiderman, Batman, Ben 10 and the iconic ‘Big Red’ London Bus, among others.

Hamleys’ range will include toys from favoured traditional classics to carrying the latest trendy ‘must-haves’, all of which can be tried and tested before purchase, a statement said.

For an easier shopping experience, the store is categorised according to the type of toy or play experience such as arts & crafts, science, construction, games & puzzle and boys, girls and pre-school toys.

“We’re delighted to be introducing the Hamleys brand to Riyadh and bringing an experience to the local community that has enriched the lives of millions of children and adults around the world,” said Steve McShane, general manager for Hamleys GCC.

“From our extensive range of toys, trusted brands and a year-round entertainment from live toy demonstrations, magicians and interactive play areas, we’re looking forward to sharing the magical experience that Hamleys is world renowned for.”

“The opening of the Hamleys store in Saudi Arabia is another step towards achieving our expansion plans across the GCC and Middle East markets,” said Jon Knight, Chief Operating Officer for Retail Arabia International, the franchise operator in the Middle East for Hamleys.

“With three Hamleys stores already open across the region including the flagship in Dubai, we are pleased with our new store in this key market. We look forward to opening more Hamleys stores in the West and the East provinces and within Kuwait and Qatar during the next 18 months,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service