Toy store The Entertainer plans more Scots stores

FAST-growing toy store The Entertainer is eyeing expansion north of the Border as it prepares to open its first branch in Scotland.

The family-owned firm will open the doors of its Glasgow outlet – in the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre – on Saturday, although shoppers who turn up the following day will find it closed because the company does not trade on Sundays.

Founder and managing director Gary Grant said: “We felt Glasgow and the centre itself offered a strong retail position for our store as it attracts large numbers of family shoppers.

“We look forward to bringing joy to the children of Glasgow and have plans to increase our presence in Scotland and will announce further plans soon.”

Grant said The Entertainer, which has opened 34 stores over the past three years, is on track to generate sales of £125 million this year, up from £112m in 2012.

The Buckinghamshire-based firm began trading in 1981 and now has more than 80 stores across England and Wales, along with an online presence. Its Glasgow branch will create ten jobs.