Retail

Rising incomes and an increase in children’s engagement with brands such as Peppa Pig and Thomas & Friends are said to be major drivers for growth in the Chinese toy market.

"We are incredibly grateful to have so many talented associates from different backgrounds contributing to our success and continuing to make Build-A-Bear Workshop a fun, fulfilling place to work."

The struggling retail chain won court approval for the plan to spur on holiday shopping.

“We are really excited to be growing our international business with such a long-standing toy retailer and will look at further opportunities like this in the future.”

At least 26 of Toys R Us’ permanent UK stores will close from spring 2018 as it now seeks a CVA in order to help pay off the retailer’s debt.

800 jobs are now on the line but the retailer will keep all branches open over Christmas and New Year.

Sky News has reported that the retail giant is to close 25 of its UK stores.

The new branch has opened in the Omni Park shopping centre in Santry.

The app which transforms stores into digital playgrounds is being tested in select stores across the country.

The initiative has been launched by Intu and already taken up by some of the country’s biggest retailers, including John Lewis, Hamleys at House of Fraser, The Entertainer, Menkind and the Musicroom.