The Entertainer has secured an extended funding package with Barclays UK Corporate Bank, giving the toy retailer fresh firepower to back store openings, digital investment and international expansion through to 2028.
The retailer said the revised agreement would support the next phase of its growth strategy, with investment planned across new stores, customer proposition, commercial technology and overseas expansion.
It also said the funding would help support the relaunch of Meccano this summer, as it looks to build on strong recent trading momentum.
The deal marks the latest chapter in the retailer’s long-standing relationship with Barclays, which now stretches into its 46th year.
The Entertainer said the package comes after two consecutive years of sales growth of more than 20 per cent, with that trend continuing into 2026. According to the business, trading since the end of December has remained particularly strong, with sales up 20 per cent year on year.
The announcement follows the completion of the group’s Employee Ownership Trust transaction in August 2025, a move that handed ownership of the business to employees.
Group chief financial officer Martin Rothwell said the agreement was “an important milestone” for the business and reflected confidence in its strategy and management.
He said: “This revised funding package is an important milestone for The Entertainer, a strong endorsement of how the business is managed and our strategy for continued above-market growth.”
Group chief executive Andrew Murphy said the retailer was entering the next stage of growth from a position of strength.
He added: “Our trading performance since the end of December – at +20 per cent YoY – has been exceptionally strong, giving us great confidence as we look ahead.
“With new stores opening, Sunday trading now well established and a huge brand relaunch to come in the summer for Meccano, we are in a strong position, financially and commercially, to drive towards our £500m Group sales target which is fast coming into view on the horizon.”
Karen Johnson, managing director and national head of retail and wholesale at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said the bank was pleased to continue backing the retailer as it invests for further growth in the UK and internationally.
The deal gives The Entertainer added financial flexibility at a time when the retailer is pushing ahead with expansion plans and looking to strengthen its position in the toys market.
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