Toy R Us is coming back to UK highstreets next year and a Swindon-based company will be responsible for it happening.

After launching in the UK in 1985, fans were dismayed when the 'magical place' collapsed in 2018 and closed all of its 100 UK branches, including the popular Swindon store. 

But plans for a relaunch were announced in October last year, and last month the popular toy chain officially returned to the UK with the launch of an online store that currently sells 14,000 toys from over 100 different suppliers. 

Swindon Advertiser: WH Smith headquarters in SwindonWH Smith headquarters in Swindon (Image: Newsquest)

Now, Toys R Us ANZ Limited has this week announced a new partnership with retailer WH Smith that will see store-in-store concessions for Toys R Us trialled in the UK, in a similar way to how Argos counters work with Sainsbury's. 

The toy brand will find a new home inside nine WH Smith stores across the UK and these are scheduled to open in the first half of 2023, although it has not yet been confirmed which WH Smith stores will get a Toys R US.

The WHSmith stores will house Toys R Us toys and games and if successful will be rolled out across more WH Smith stores.

A spokesperson for WH Smith said: "I can confirm that WH Smith will be launching a small-scale trial of Toys ‘R’ Us areas in nine of its high street stores early next year.

"I would stress this is a trial and is very small at this stage (WH Smith has about 550 high street stores to give you the context)."

On its newly launched website, the company wrote: "So, you’ve heard all about us, what we stand for and who we are, so why not sit back, put your feet up and have a browse through our website?

"We are relaunching in the UK in 2022 as a brand new Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us, and we can’t wait to support you as we grow and develop together over the coming weeks, months, and years."

There is also a FAQ answering questions from customers. 

Toys R Us managing director Dr Louis Mittoni has also spoken enthusiastically about bringing the chain back. 

He said: "Toys R Us and Babies R Us are much-loved brands in the UK, and our teams have described this as 'returning home', not just a relaunch."