The Entertainer has unveiled fresh store expansion plans for 2026, including new openings, relocations and a larger outlet format.

The toy retailer said plans for the first half of the year include a new relocated store at St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff, which will be 25% larger than its current site.

It will also open a new store at Junction 32 outlet village in Castleford, taking space previously occupied by a competitor.

In Hatfield, the retailer is set to launch its first large-scale outlet store at The Galleria, occupying more than 8,000 sq ft from May. The move follows the opening of its first outlet branch at Dalton Park in County Durham last year.

The Entertainer said UK retail sales have risen by more than 20% over the past 12 months.

TEAL Group chief executive Andrew Murphy said: “As Britain’s Toy Shop, we’re constantly identifying opportunities to expand our UK business and improve the quality of our existing physical estate.”

He added: “I’m delighted with how our plans for 2026 are shaping up in that regard, with a fabulous upgrade in location, size and environment imminent for our very successful Cardiff St David’s store, a huge vote of confidence in our brand from the owners of J32 in Castleford and – first off the blocks – our biggest new store for well over a decade opening during May at The Galleria in Hatfield.”

Murphy also signalled further announcements to come, adding there was “great news incoming for toy enthusiasts in Manchester, Bedford and the Channel Islands.”