The Entertainer acquires Spanish toy retailer Poly
Toy retailer The Entertainer has acquired Poly, a chain of 57 toy shops in Spain.
The chain was bought following a competitive bid managed by an administrator which will result in all 57 stores remaining open and the saving of more than 350 jobs.
Poly’s stores are situated in high streets and shopping centres across Spain. The Entertainer said it will aim to regain the 5% Spanish market share previously held by Poly.
Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman of The Entertainer, said: “This year has understandably been incredibly turbulent for the Poly team as they faced so much uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming them to The Entertainer family. The Poly brand will be retained but aligned with The Entertainer’s core values, which put our people and our customers at the very heart of our business.”
The retailer will be working with Poly’s suppliers to ensure that all 57 stores are stocked for the remainder of the Christmas trading period. This will include the introduction of a full range of products from The Entertainer’s sister company Addo.
The Entertainer has been expanding overseas for the last five years primarily through its franchise programme. This has resulted in the opening of over 30 stores in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Poly deal represents The Entertainer’s first full European acquisition and takes its total store locations to over 300.