Retail

Decreased revenue in China and Europe and a dip in Hot Wheels sales and plummet in brands like American Girl and Fisher-Price indicate there's still some post-TRU recovery to be had.

Up to 5,000 jobs are now at risk as the retailer says store closures will take place over the next three to five years.

With over 25 years of experience of working with children, Claire Bailey and Jo Bridge of Little Adventures Toy Barn opened their first store with a focus on the environment and inspiring children.

The bi-annual event has now entered its fifth year since its launch back in 2013, providing the chance for buyers across multiple categories to capitalise on the pre-Christmas deals, as well as plan in their January sales.

Almost half a million of the animal-themed plush have already been shipped across the globe in the last three months, with sales exceeding expected volumes and targets.

There are seven tribes to collect in the range: Jocks, Techie Gang, Shed Heads, Sugar Shocks, Toilet Troop, Greaser Gang and the Backpack Bunch.

It arrives in the same week that the global toymaker revealed its Q3 2018 results to be reeling from the aftermath of the demise of Toys R Us. Sales were down seven per cent in the US and Canada.

Net revenues for the third quarter 2018 decreased 12 per cent to $1.57 billion versus $1.79 billion in 2017, reflecting the loss made in the wake of the Toys R US collapse across the US, Europe and Asia Pacific.

In order to meet demand from its growing customer base, the business is utilising HSBC UK’s funding to scale up the import of stock from across the world, particularly the Far East, by 20 per cent over the next 12 months.

Pretend to Bee products will now be available in 16 Toytown stores across the UK and Ireland, with over 40 SKUs available in the retail collection.