Major Toy Chain The Entertainer Closes Wrexham Store Amid Struggles

The Entertainer, the UK’s largest toy retailer, has confirmed the closure of its Wrexham store located in the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre. Chief Executive Officer Andrew Murphy announced the decision, stating that it is no longer commercially viable to renew the lease for the store, which has been operating since 2015. The store is set to close early in the new year, leaving many local shoppers disappointed.

In his statement, Murphy expressed sadness over the impact this decision will have on employees, acknowledging their dedication to running the store. He described the closure as “a sad fact of retail life,” noting that shifts in shopping habits and rising costs have outpaced sales growth. Despite this setback, he assured customers that The Entertainer remains committed to serving the Wrexham community through toy concessions in select Tesco stores and at their nearby outlet in Broughton Park.

The announcement follows closely on the heels of another closure at The Entertainer’s Sheffield location, which is scheduled to shut down on October 11, 2025. The Sheffield branch is currently offering an “everything must go” sale with discounts of up to 25 percent on many items, excluding certain brands like Lego and VTech. Shoppers have taken to social media to express their dismay, with one user commenting, “And another one gone.”

This closure is part of a wider trend affecting the retail sector, particularly in high street shopping areas. The Entertainer has already closed several stores this year, including locations in Barrow-in-Furness, Croydon, Luton, and Wandsworth. The challenges facing traditional retailers are compounded by the ongoing cost of living crisis, which has squeezed household incomes, and the post-Brexit decline in the value of the pound.

The situation at Eagles Meadow is not isolated, as River Island has also announced plans to close its Wrexham store by January 2026. CEO Ben Lewis highlighted the shift in consumer behavior from high street shopping to online retail as a significant factor in the decision. He acknowledged that rising operational costs have added further strain, leading the company to restructure its business model to ensure long-term viability.

Lewis stated, “We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum.” He also noted that recent improvements in River Island stores are yielding positive results, underscoring the need for a strategic approach to navigate the current retail landscape.

Founded in 1981 by Gary and Catherine Grant, The Entertainer has grown to become a prominent name in the toy industry, previously boasting 160 stores at its peak. Earlier this year, the Grant family transitioned the business into an Employee Owned Trust. The Entertainer’s products are available in over 2,700 Tesco locations, allowing the brand to maintain a presence despite store closures.

Local shoppers have voiced their disappointment regarding the Wrexham closure. One customer remarked, “That’s sad, I don’t shop there as much now my child is older, but the staff have always been wonderful at this store.” Another expressed their fondness for the store, saying, “Oh no, not another shop; I love going there for my four-year-old grandson.”

The ongoing changes reflect broader challenges within the retail sector, raising questions about the future of high street shopping and the ability of established brands to adapt to evolving consumer demands.