Have you walked past your local toy shop only to see the dreaded “Closing Down Sale” signs on the windows? That’s become the reality for several locations of The Entertainer, one of the UK’s most beloved toy chains, as it navigates major changes in 2025. But what’s really going on behind the scenes?
This year has seen a growing number of Entertainer stores shutting their doors permanently, leaving communities surprised and saddened. With store closures across cities like Croydon, Luton, Sheffield, Wrexham, and others, many are asking whether this signals the end of the high street toy shopping era.
However, the story is far more complex. It’s a tale of shifting strategies, rising business cost,s and the inevitable evolution of retail in a digital-first world. Let’s explore why these changes are happening and what they truly mean for shoppers and the future of UK retail.
Why Is The Entertainer Closing Some of Its UK Stores in 2025?
The Entertainer has been forced to shut down several physical stores in 2025, but the reasons aren’t rooted in business failure. Instead, the closures are mostly driven by three key factors, lease expirations, unsustainable operating costs, and a major shift in consumer shopping behaviour.
Many of the affected shops are based in town centres where footfall has dropped significantly. Renewing lease agreements at such locations is no longer commercially viable. Increased costs, especially in the wake of government policy changes like higher National Insurance contributions and rising minimum wages, are placing further pressure on retailers.
Rather than continuing to pour resources into underperforming outlets, The Entertainer is taking a forward-looking approach. It’s choosing to phase out shops that no longer offer value in favour of modernising its retail model.
Changing habits among UK consumers are also a factor. More families are shopping online or combining their toy shopping with grocery trips. This evolution has led the company to re-evaluate its physical presence and invest in more flexible retail channels.
Which Entertainer Stores Are Closing – And When?
Several branches of The Entertainer across the UK are confirmed to be closing in 2025, with some already having shut their doors. These closures reflect specific challenges like lease expirations or low profitability at particular sites. Rather than being random cuts, each location was assessed individually for commercial viability.
The closures began early in the year, with Luton and Croydon stores closing in January and February respectively. Barrow-in-Furness is also among the most emotional losses, where the local store built strong community ties before confirming its final day of trading on May 3.
Sheffield, Poole, and Wrexham also appear on the list, with Edinburgh, Brent Cross, and Haslemere having already seen their stores close in late 2024.
Below is a detailed list of store closures, with relevant reasons and alternatives:
| Store | Closure Date | Reason | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luton | January 25 | Lease ended | Online shop, Tesco Luton branch |
| Croydon | February 1 | Lease ended, low footfall | Tesco Croydon toy aisle |
| Barrow-in-Furness | May 3 | Not profitable | Online services, nearest Tesco partner |
| Wrexham | Confirmed 2025 | Lease expiry | Online shop |
| Sheffield | Confirmed 2025 | Underperformance | Tesco Sheffield toy concession |
| Poole | Confirmed 2025 | Lease not renewed | Tesco Poole store |
| Brent Cross | Late 2024 | Location move | Relocated to stronger area |
| Edinburgh | Late 2024 | Relocated for more trade | New branch in better-performing zone |
| Haslemere | Late 2024 | Underperformance | Online store or nearest Tesco location |
These closures reflect an ongoing process of evaluation, not mass shutdowns.
Is The Entire Entertainer Toy Chain in Trouble?
Despite the closures making headlines, The Entertainer is far from being in trouble. The business remains financially stable and is still one of the largest independent toy retailers in the UK. It continues to operate over 160 standalone stores and is expanding its reach through over 860 toy sections within Tesco supermarkets.
The closures are part of a broader strategy to realign resources to where customer demand remains strong. The chain has recently opened new stores in Exeter and Milton Keynes, both of which have shown promising footfall and positive trading results.
These successful openings demonstrate that the company is not retreating, but rather repositioning for long-term success. Another significant development is the founder, Gary Grant’s, move to transfer ownership of the business to an Employee Ownership Trust in 2025.
This bold step reflects his commitment to staff and long-term sustainability. The company is streamlining operations, but its future is built on smart decision-making and adapting to a changing retail landscape, not financial decline or poor performance.
What Role Does Government Policy Play in These Store Closures?
The changing UK economic landscape has placed growing pressure on brick-and-mortar retailers like The Entertainer. In particular, new government policies have raised operational costs, making some stores financially unsustainable. Several key factors have been identified by both The Entertainer and other major UK retailers.
- Employer National Insurance hikes: From April 2025, the increased NICs mean businesses pay more tax on wages.
- Minimum wage increase: Rising employee costs are directly impacting store-level profitability.
- Reduction in business rates relief: The government’s decision to scale back the relief from 75% to 40% has raised commercial property expenses.
- Cancelled expansion plans: Due to these changes, The Entertainer scrapped plans for several new store openings in early 2025.
These changes have not just impacted The Entertainer. Other big names like M&S and Next have echoed similar concerns. A British Retail Consortium survey found that 67% of retailers are either raising prices or reducing staff to cope with the tax burden. The rising cost of running physical stores is a nationwide challenge across the entire retail sector.
How Is The Entertainer Adapting Its Business Model?
The Entertainer has made significant adjustments to its business model to navigate today’s evolving retail environment. As high street conditions grow more difficult, the company is embracing hybrid retail formats and focusing on profitable growth opportunities.
One major shift is its expansion through Tesco concessions, which now number over 860 locations across the UK. These in-supermarket toy sections offer convenience for shoppers while reducing operational costs compared to standalone shops.
This partnership allows The Entertainer to maintain brand visibility and customer access without the expense of high-street leases. Simultaneously, the company has doubled down on its digital presence.
Its online store is fully operational and continues to serve customers nationwide with delivery options. The online platform offers full product ranges and seasonal promotions, helping offset reduced physical store coverage.
The business is also investing in the wellbeing of its employees through its new ownership structure. With the company now owned by an Employee Ownership Trust, staff share in the success and sustainability of the company. These strategic moves show a clear commitment to long-term growth.
What Does This Mean for Shoppers and Local Communities?
The closure of local toy stores can leave a significant gap in the community, both economically and emotionally. For many, The Entertainer was more than just a shop. It was a part of the local identity. In Barrow-in-Furness, for example, the store was praised for supporting local charities and offering engaging in-store experiences for children.
Impacts on shoppers and communities include:
- Loss of physical experience: Many children looked forward to browsing toys in-store.
- Reduced high street footfall: Closures contribute to a quieter town centre environment.
- Emotional attachment: Former staff and customers have expressed sadness over losing community-focused branches.
- Local charity support gone: Some closed stores, like Barrow’s, had been deeply involved in local donations and events.
However, the company remains accessible through its website and Tesco concessions. While the experience may differ, customers can still buy toys easily and conveniently. The Entertainer has made it clear that while certain stores may close, its service to customers remains ongoing and strong.
Is This the Future of UK Retail?
The Entertainer’s store closures are a reflection of broader shifts happening across the UK retail sector. Traditional high streets are facing unprecedented challenges as shoppers increasingly choose online platforms or out-of-town retail parks over local town centre stores.
The cost of maintaining physical retail space, especially in declining footfall areas, continues to rise. Retailers are now seeking more adaptable, cost-efficient models. The Entertainer’s Tesco partnership exemplifies this approach.
Rather than relying solely on dedicated storefronts, retailers are leveraging larger chains and e-commerce to reach their customers in smarter ways. What we’re seeing is not a collapse, but a transformation.
The Entertainer is far from alone in this strategy. Other big names like Argos and Next have integrated similar models, blending digital and physical retail through concessions and hybrid spaces. It’s a shift in where and how people shop.
The future of UK retail lies in flexibility, innovation and strategic footprint reduction. As The Entertainer shows, the brands that adapt can still grow and thrive in this challenging climate.
Conclusion
While the closures of several Entertainer stores across the UK may seem alarming at first glance, the reality is far more reassuring. The brand is not in decline but is strategically evolving to meet the demands of a new retail era.
With rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and government policy changes, maintaining every physical store is no longer viable. Instead, The Entertainer is strengthening its digital presence and leveraging partnerships like those with Tesco to remain accessible to families across the UK.
The decision to move to employee ownership further reinforces its commitment to long-term stability and people-first values. For shoppers, the brand remains available online and through hundreds of supermarket locations.
What’s happening here is not the end of the toy store, but the beginning of a smarter, more resilient way to shop. The Entertainer is adjusting for the future, and still putting smiles on children’s faces.
FAQs
Are all Entertainer stores closing in the UK?
No, only specific stores are closing based on lease expirations and performance. The majority remain open or are relocating to better areas.
Can I still buy from The Entertainer online?
Yes, The Entertainer’s online shop is active and offers nationwide delivery with full access to its product range.
Why are Tesco stores mentioned in relation to The Entertainer?
The Entertainer operates over 860 toy concessions within Tesco stores across the UK, making it easier for shoppers to access its toys.
Is The Entertainer going out of business?
No, The Entertainer remains financially strong and is simply adjusting its store strategy for the current retail climate.
What government changes have affected retail stores in 2025?
Policies like increased National Insurance, minimum wage hikes and reduced business rate relief have made physical store operations more expensive.
Are other toy retailers also closing stores in the UK?
Yes, many UK retailers across sectors are closing stores due to similar cost pressures and changes in shopping behaviour.
Will more Entertainer stores close in the future?
Future closures may occur depending on lease renewals and store performance, but the chain continues to invest in successful locations.
