‘Another one bites the dust’ cry shoppers as beloved toy retailer set to close branch in a matter of weeks
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SHOPPERS have shared their devastation after a beloved toy retailer has revealed it will close one of its branches in a matter of weeks. The Entertainer, which has 160 branches across the UK, will permanently shutter its branch in Croydon's Whitgift shopping centre.
![[The Entertainer toy shop storefront.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2b0dhpt-entertainer-toy-shop-frontage-689365829.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A closing-down sale has already been launched with the retailer offering 25% off its products. In a post shared on social media, locals expressed their sadness at the toy store's departure. One local said: "What a derelict place Croydon High Street has become.".
"Another one bites the dust," said a second. Paul Hardy, head of region at The Entertainer, confirmed to The Sun that the store would close for good on February 1. He explained that the toy store has been asked to shutter due as a "requirement of the landlord" for the "proposed redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping Centre".
"We’re proud of the service we’ve offered and are committed to supporting our employees through this situation," he added. In 2013, retail giant Westfield and property developer Hammerson entered a joint venture for a £1.4billion redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre and the neighbouring Centrale shopping centre.
The project was aimed at transforming the site into a major shopping and leisure destination but faced a number of delays and financial hurdles. In 2023, Westfield acquired the remaining 50% stake in the redevelopment from Hammerson. The retail group still has plans to transform the development and is running a public consultation this year ahead of submitting a planning application.
