Latest news with #Hamleys'
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic British toy chain reveals top 100 toys of all time including retro classics – did your favourite make the list?
We reveal the full list including Pokemon Cards and Subbuteo below TOY JOY Iconic British toy chain reveals top 100 toys of all time including retro classics – did your favourite make the list? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC toy chain has revealed a list of the top 100 toys of all time, including some childhood classics. The team of buyers at Hamleys has rounded up its favourite games, dolls and more throughout history as it marks its 265th birthday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Hamleys has revealed its ultimate list of the top 100 toys of all time Credit: Alamy Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, said: "Once you start looking at this (list), it turns rapidly into a nostalgia-fest – even for toys from four or five years ago." Classic toys such as Barbie dolls, first launched in 1959, made the top 100 list, as well as iconic card game UNO. LEGO Harry Potter, which first went on sale in 2018, also made Hamleys' list. Some nostalgic toys also featured, including space hoppers, which first launched in 1970, and Jenga. We reveal the top 100 list down below, but here are five standouts. Monopoly 6 Monopoly is sold across the globe in dozens of languages Credit: Getty A game which inevitably leads to debate and arguments among friends and family, Monopoly first launched in 1935. The true icon of board games, more than 113 local editions exist in countries across the world with it available in 46 languages. Since its launch almost a century ago, it is believed to have sold over 300million copies worldwide. You can currently pick up the classic Monopoly game from Smyths Toys for £14.99. UNO 6 UNO was first developed in the United States Credit: Getty A simple but endlessly enjoyable game, more than 150million sets of UNO have sold worldwide across 80 countries. Pokemon star dead at 71: Legendary voice actor James Carter Cathcart played string of fan-favourite characters in show The game, which you win by getting rid of all your cards, was first invented in 1971. A pack of UNO cards is on sale for £3.99 currently on Rubik's Cube 6 The Rubik's Cube was originally called a Magic Cube Credit: PA No list of top toys would be complete without the Rubik's Cube, of which more than 500million copies have been sold globally. Hamleys claims this makes it the biggest selling puzzle game of all time, after its launch in 1974. The current world record for solving a Rubik's Cube is held by Xuanyi Geng, who completed a 3x3x3 cube in just over three seconds. The Works is selling one on its website for £3. Nintendo Game Boy 6 The classic 1989 Game Boy was the first console of its kind Credit: Alamy Three Nintendo consoles made it onto Hamleys' top 100 list, including the 1989 Game Boy. The first of its kind, the Game Boy line went on to become a cultural icon of the 1990s and 2000s. An original 1989 device is currently on sale for £75 on CeX's website. They have been known to sell for as much as £620 in the past though, while other retro computer games have gone for up to £1.5million. Barbie 6 Everyone will remember playing with Barbie dolls at one point during their childhood Credit: Alamy An undoubted staple in many children's lives growing up, the first Barbie doll launched in 1959. Since then, one billion of the dolls, made by Mattel, are thought to have been sold worldwide. So famous is the toy, a feature-length film was released in 2023 chronicling about the character. Shoppers can currently buy a Barbie Fashionista doll on The Entertainer's website for £7. Sell a vintage model and you could end up getting nearly £1,000 though, according to one expert. What else made the list? Other best-selling dolls made the list including Tiny Tears, Polly Pocket, My Little Pony and Bratz. Action figures such as Action Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Wars figurines also made the cut. Clackers from the 1960s featured - combining two balls attached to a piece of string that you can bang together to make a "clack" sound. Hamleys' top 100 list Lego Classic Bricks Monopoly Beanie Babies Polly Pocket My Little Pony UNO Rubik's Cube Tamagotchi Clackers Trivial Pursuit Slime Scooter Pogo Stick LUDO Subbuteo Transformers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Operation Hungry Hippos Connect 4 Kaledeiscope Hatchimals Bratz Care Bearas Yo Yo Weebles Masters of the Universe Matchbox Cars Speak and Spell LeapPad Teletubby Doll Thunderbirds Tracy Island Power Rangers Pie Face Lite-Brite Nerf Blasters Sylvanian Families Battleships Nintendo Game Boy 1989 Stretch Armstrong Furby Hot Wheels Cars Troll Dols Play-Doh Pokemon Cards Slinky Cabbage Patch Kids Mr. Potato Head Tiny Tears Doll Mouse Trap Nintendo Wii View-Master Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot LOL Surprise Dolls Pogs Fingerlings Barbie Doll Simon LEGO Harry Potter Etch a Sketch Action Man Spirograph Glo Worm Nintendo Switch Hula Hoop Super Soaker Baby Alive Doll Tiddlywinks Fisher-Price Telephone Space Hoppers Plasticine Meccano Marbles Tammy Doll Skittles K'nex Walkie Talkies Boggle Rubik's Snake Playmobil Jenga Horny Trains Buckaroo Zapf Creation Dolls Top Trumps Scalextric Cluedo Spinning Tops Fuzzy Felt Space Invaders Hamley Bear Silly Putty Magic Markers Tonka Trucks Sindy Doll Wooden London Bus Rocking Horse Toy Soliders Snakes and Ladders Boglins Pokemon cards and Top Trumps were also selected by the buying team at Hamleys. Meanwhile, Playstation and the Xbox also made an appearance. Victoria, head buyer, said there were a multitude of reasons why toys are so successful among shoppers. "They can be educational, encourage role play, drive imagination or problem-solving, they can bring comfort or develop hand-eye coordination – there can be so many factors in creating immersiveness. 'You can never underestimate the power of togetherness created around some of the big-sellers – those toys that bring people of all ages together – get families around a table talking, playing, challenging, maybe even cheating. 'We also mustn't forget that simplicity is often key – the joy of cuddling a doll or storytelling with an action figure or a superfast Hot Wheel car. "Combined with a good dose of jeopardy and you have something truly memorable." Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major UK toy brand shuts 29 stores and axes employees as it blames one thing
The famous toy retailer now runs 11 stores across the UK and 176 branches worldwide and has reduced its UK workforce from 435 to 401 Hamleys closed 29 stores during its most recent financial year and cut the number of employees in its business. The number of workers was reduced from 435 to 401. It comes after Hamleys shut 40 shops in the previous 12 months, blaming pressures from inflation. But in better news, Hamleys also opened 22 new sites in its last financial year. The famous toy retailer now runs 11 stores across the UK and 176 branches worldwide. Hamleys' turnover rose from £51.4million to £53.3million in 2024, according to its latest financial figures reported on Companies House. Its pre-tax profits climbed to £3.7million, up from £673,000 from the previous year, and its UK sales increased from £43.9million to £45.9million. Hamleys was established in London in 1760 and is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest toy retailer globally. It has been owned by Reliance Industries, an Indian conglomerate, since 2018. In a statement, the board said: "We had a strong year, driven primarily by franchise royalties, and we're optimistic about continued growth from it with [the] introduction of new territories along with organic growth of existing territories. "The UK retail market remains challenging going into 2025 as consumer spending continues to be impacted by inflationary pressures." It added: "As a result, we remain cautiously optimistic on business growth with a continuous focus on cost optimisation to ensure the profitability of the group. "The group is continuously striving to improve the customer experience and proposition across all formats to ensure long-term sustainability of the business. "We remain focused in identifying opportunities for future growth and implementing a robust digital strategy is a key growth driver for the UK in 2025. "The strategic review undertaken in 2024 to improve customer experience and proposition across all formats, introduction of new products and services, continued overseas growth and entry into new proprietary and franchise markets has delivered positive results for the group in 2024." It comes after fish and chip shop chain Deep Blue Restaurants revealed it sold off nine of its branches. The restaurant chain parted ways with these sites between October 2024 and May 2025. Deep Blue Restaurants also owns Harry Ramden's, having purchased the company from Boparan Restaurant Group six years ago in 2019. The funds from the sale of the nine Deep Blue Restaurants were used to refurbish some Harry Ramsden's locations, as well as marketing campaigns. The company has 16 Deep Blue restaurants and eight Harry Ramsden's sites, according to its website.
India.com
03-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani's masterstroke, launches Hamleys store in this Muslim country, not Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Indonesia, it is...
New Delhi: Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, acquired the global operations of Hamleys in 2019. Hamleys is a British multinational toy retailer, owned by Reliance Retail and it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest toy store. Now, Mukesh Ambani has launched a Hamleys store in Kuwait, making it Hamleys' ninth store in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) following its strong presence in the UAE and Qatar. Hamleys has inaugurated Kuwait store in collaboration with the Middle East Retail Group. The launch of Kuwait store has further strengthened Hamleys' strategic partnership with the Middle East Retail Group, its trusted franchise partner in the region and a leading retail conglomerate known for bringing iconic global brands to the Middle Eastern market. This store has been established in a 1,170 square meter area at Kuwait's famous 'The Avenues Mall'. Hamleys is considered one of the best toy brands in the world and this is the first Hamleys store in Kuwait, while it is their ninth store in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Hamleys store is designed for children of all age groups. More than 10,000 toys from over 100 brands are available here. Children will have the opportunity to see and buy famous toys such as Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Marvel, Build-A-Bear, Bandai, and Candylicious. In addition, it will feature a high-energy racetrack called 'Ralleys'. Hamleys Global CEO Sumit Yadav said, 'Our plan to open a store in Kuwait has been in the works for a long time. Opening a store in 'The Avenues' is a significant moment for us. The response to Hamleys in new markets has always been positive, and we are confident that Kuwait City will not be an exception. We will continue our expansion in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.' Nabil Daoud, CEO of the Middle East Retail Company, said, 'The arrival of Hamleys in Kuwait is a matter of pride for us. This brand is already receiving a lot of love here. Many Kuwaiti families have grown up with Hamleys and have seen it abroad. This store is for them, and our role is to bring it closer to them.'
India Gazette
02-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Iconic toy retailer Hamleys opens in Kuwait, 9th store in Gulf
Kuwait City [Kuwait], June 2 (ANI): Kuwait welcomed the world's finest toy store as Hamleys launched a spectacular 1170 square meter store at The Avenues mall. Opened on May 31, this landmark destination brings Hamleys' signature magic to life. Located in Kuwait's largest and most prestigious lifestyle destination, The Avenues spans over 1.3 million square meters and features more than 1,000 stores across 12 themed districts, making it the perfect stage for Hamleys to enchant a brand-new audience. This milestone opening marks Hamleys' debut in Kuwait and its ninth store in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reinforcing the brand's continued expansion across the region following its strong presence in the UAE and Qatar. The launch further strengthens Hamleys' strategic partnership with the Middle East Retail Group--its trusted franchise partner in the region and a leading retail conglomerate known for bringing iconic global brands to the Middle Eastern market. With its signature Hamleys theatre, live demos, and high-energy entertainment, the store promisesto bring its quintessential vibrant red-and-white world where imagination, play, and wonder come to life. Designed to delight children of all ages, it offers immersive experience zones that redefine traditional toy shopping. Visitors will be greeted by the iconic Hamleys characters, including Hamley and Hattie Bear, the toy soldier, circus ringmaster, and rag doll, sparking joy and fuelling creativity at every turn. A step into Hamleys at The Avenues, Kuwait brings an unforgettable experience. With over 10,000 toys across 100+ brands, Hamleys' arrival is more than just a store opening. Alongside beloved names like LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Marvel, Build-a-Bear, Bandai, and Candylicious, the store brings these brands to life in new, interactive ways. Exciting additions like Ralleyz, Hamleys' own highenergy RC racetrack, and The Boutique, where kids can explore cosmetics, get their nails done, and create their own accessories, offer unique experiences for young visitors. Sumeet Yadav, CEO of Hamleys Global said: 'We've been eager to open in Kuwait for quite some time, and The Avenues marks a significant and exciting moment in our journey to spread joy and wonder across the region. This store brings with it not just our iconic British heritage but a contagious spirit of fun, laughter, and smiles for everyone, young and old. The response to Hamleys' arrival in new markets has always been tremendous, and we're confident that Kuwait City, with its world-class mall, will be no exception. As we continue to expand across the GCC, with locations in premier 'The Avenues' is the perfect stage for us to connect with more families and continue our mission to bring the magic of play to children everywhere.' Founded in 1760 by William Hamley, Hamleys was acquired in 2019 by Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) -- the retail arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), one of India's largest and most diversified conglomerates. Hamleys, with 187 stores across 13 countries, remains rooted in its iconic Regent Street flagship -- a legendary destination that continues to be one of the most visited spots in the UK. Hamleys' global footprint continues to grow at pace, with exciting new openings in iconic cities such as Naples, Bergamo, Rome, Sharjah, Milan, Tirana, Pristina, and Doha -- each one bringing the magic of play to a whole new audience. Nabil Daud, CEO of Middle East Retail Company, says: 'Bringing Hamleys to Kuwait is an honour -- not just as a franchisee, but as someone who's come to appreciate how deeply loved this brand already is here. So many Kuwaiti families have grown up with Hamleys, visited it abroad, and hold memories that go back generations. This store belongs to them. Our role is simply to bring that magic closer to home -- with all the wonder, laughter, and play that Hamleys is known for.' The opening day was marked by high-energy celebrations, including a vibrant parade through the mall, a traditional bell-ringing ceremony to officially open the doors, and lively appearances by beloved children's characters and heroes -- a truly special day filled with fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments. His Majesty's Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Belinda Lewis said: 'Hamleys holds a special place in the hearts of many people in the UK, including mine. It's wonderful to see this beloved British brand bring its magic to Kuwait. This opening - full of colour, music and laughter - was a delight to witness, and I was particularly happy that so many young customers could experience the excitement too. It's a beautiful reflection of the strong and growing ties between our two countries - in business, culture and shared moments of fun.' The rich history of Hamleys begins with William Hamley, a Cornish man from Bodmin, England. Hamley dreamed of opening the best toy shop in the world, which he realised when he opened his first shop in Holborn, London, in 1760. Some 265 years later, Hamleys, the best toy shop in the world, is synonymous with magical experiences and joy for children. The Hamleys retail experience includes play opportunities for children, eye-catching shop design, customer service expertise and incredible toy demonstrations. In addition to the popular London toy shop, Hamleys is a global brand currently operating in 13 countries with 187 shops in the UK, Italy, India, UAE, China, Philippines and Mexico. In July 2019, Reliance Brands Limited [RBL] marked its first international foray by acquiring the global operations of Hamleys. RBL has been operating Hamleys franchise shops in India since 2010. (ANI)
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Iconic toy retailer Hamleys opens in Kuwait, 9th store in Gulf
Kuwait welcomed the world's finest toy store as Hamleys launched a spectacular 1170 square meter store at The Avenues mall . Opened on May 31, this landmark destination brings Hamleys' signature magic to life. Located in Kuwait's largest and most prestigious lifestyle destination, The Avenues spans over 1.3 million square meters and features more than 1,000 stores across 12 themed districts, making it the perfect stage for Hamleys to enchant a brand-new audience. This milestone opening marks Hamleys' debut in Kuwait and its ninth store in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reinforcing the brand's continued expansion across the region following its strong presence in the UAE and Qatar. The launch further strengthens Hamleys' strategic partnership with the Middle East Retail Group--its trusted franchise partner in the region and a leading retail conglomerate known for bringing iconic global brands to the Middle Eastern market. With its signature Hamleys theatre, live demos, and high-energy entertainment, the store promises to bring its quintessential vibrant red-and-white world where imagination, play, and wonder come to life. Designed to delight children of all ages, it offers immersive experience zones that redefine traditional toy shopping. Visitors will be greeted by the iconic Hamleys characters, including Hamley and Hattie Bear, the toy soldier, circus ringmaster, and rag doll, sparking joy and fuelling creativity at every turn. A step into Hamleys at The Avenues, Kuwait brings an unforgettable experience. With over 10,000 toys across 100+ brands, Hamleys' arrival is more than just a store opening. Alongside beloved names like LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Marvel, Build-a-Bear, Bandai, and Candylicious, the store brings these brands to life in new, interactive ways. Exciting additions like Ralleyz, Hamleys' own highenergy RC racetrack, and The Boutique, where kids can explore cosmetics, get their nails done, and create their own accessories, offer unique experiences for young visitors. Sumeet Yadav , CEO of Hamleys Global said: "We've been eager to open in Kuwait for quite some time, and The Avenues marks a significant and exciting moment in our journey to spread joy and wonder across the region. This store brings with it not just our iconic British heritage but a contagious spirit of fun, laughter, and smiles for everyone, young and old. The response to Hamleys' arrival in new markets has always been tremendous, and we're confident that Kuwait City, with its world-class mall, will be no exception. As we continue to expand across the GCC, with locations in premier 'The Avenues' is the perfect stage for us to connect with more families and continue our mission to bring the magic of play to children everywhere." Founded in 1760 by William Hamley, Hamleys was acquired in 2019 by Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) -- the retail arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), one of India's largest and most diversified conglomerates. Hamleys, with 187 stores across 13 countries, remains rooted in its iconic Regent Street flagship -- a legendary destination that continues to be one of the most visited spots in the UK. Hamleys' global footprint continues to grow at pace, with exciting new openings in iconic cities such as Naples, Bergamo, Rome, Sharjah, Milan, Tirana, Pristina, and Doha -- each one bringing the magic of play to a whole new audience. Nabil Daud, CEO of Middle East Retail Company, says: "Bringing Hamleys to Kuwait is an honour -- not just as a franchisee, but as someone who's come to appreciate how deeply loved this brand already is here. So many Kuwaiti families have grown up with Hamleys, visited it abroad, and hold memories that go back generations. This store belongs to them. Our role is simply to bring that magic closer to home -- with all the wonder, laughter, and play that Hamleys is known for." The opening day was marked by high-energy celebrations, including a vibrant parade through the mall, a traditional bell-ringing ceremony to officially open the doors, and lively appearances by beloved children's characters and heroes -- a truly special day filled with fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments. His Majesty's Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Belinda Lewis said: "Hamleys holds a special place in the hearts of many people in the UK, including mine. It's wonderful to see this beloved British brand bring its magic to Kuwait. This opening - full of colour, music and laughter - was a delight to witness, and I was particularly happy that so many young customers could experience the excitement too. It's a beautiful reflection of the strong and growing ties between our two countries - in business, culture and shared moments of fun." The rich history of Hamleys begins with William Hamley, a Cornish man from Bodmin, England. Hamley dreamed of opening the best toy shop in the world, which he realised when he opened his first shop in Holborn, London, in 1760. Some 265 years later, Hamleys, the best toy shop in the world, is synonymous with magical experiences and joy for children. The Hamleys retail experience includes play opportunities for children, eye-catching shop design, customer service expertise and incredible toy demonstrations. In addition to the popular London toy shop, Hamleys is a global brand currently operating in 13 countries with 187 shops in the UK, Italy, India, UAE, China, Philippines and Mexico. In July 2019, Reliance Brands Limited [RBL] marked its first international foray by acquiring the global operations of Hamleys. RBL has been operating Hamleys franchise shops in India since 2010.
