Dundrum Town Centre, the prestigious 850,000 square feet shopping centre, 5 kilometres south of Dublin City Centre is to welcome Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy shop. The 250 year old toy retailer, famed for its magic, theatre and entertainment, is opening its first European stand alone store outside of its famous flagship shop in London’s Regent Street.
Hamleys Dundrum is scheduled to open October 2008 and will occupy 37,000 square feet arranged over three floors, acting as an anchor in the soon to be opened Pembroke Avenue located adjacent to Town Square. The new toy shop will replicate all the magical and experiential elements of the Regent Street store, promising the ultimate treat for all the family.
The store will appeal to all age-groups and interests, selling a wide range of toys from the much loved brands to more traditional and nostalgic toys and quirky and unusual products. These will include the full range of Hamleys own brand, renowned for exceptional quality and play value. Demonstrators will bring the store to life and the shop will host exclusive product launches. Other store elements will include a fun2learn area for pre-school children, roaming magicians, a teddy bear park, a puppet area, a rally dome, a cuddly soft animal area and much more. Special events will include face painting and visits from much loved children’s characters, treasure hunts, trails and amazing competitions.
Hamleys Dundrum will also offer facilities which can be hired for private parties and events. A cafe will sell delicious and nutritious meals and snacks specifically appealing to children.
The store will look to employ approximately 60 people.
Darren Peavoy who acted on behalf of the Landlord commented ‘this letting is another major coup for Dundrum. Attracting Hamleys to the scheme has been a fantastic achievement for the entire development team. Hamleys will generate an additional draw to the scheme and in particular to Pembroke Avenue. We are now marketing units between Hamleys and Harvey Nichols and expect demand for the remaining retail and restaurant units to be strong on the back of the Hamleys announcement.’
Paul Currie, Hamleys Trading Director, says: ‘We are extremely excited to be coming to Dundrum Town Centre, a premium location for fabulous shopping and days out. This is our first stand-alone store outside of Regent Street and continues our programme of global expansion. A considerable portion of our overseas customers are Irish and we are looking forward to growing this customer base. We are sure that Dundrum customers will engage with the magical and exciting elements of our brand and Hamleys will become a favourite for children and parents alike.’
Don Nugent, Centre Director of Dundrum Town Centre, comments: ‘Dundrum Town Centre is firmly established at the forefront of retail in Ireland, and renowned for bringing new names and offers to our discerning customers. Dundrum Town Centre is continuing to prove itself as a world class retail destination with the strength to attract brand names such as Hamleys to the scheme. The offer is something completely unique to the Irish shopper, the excitement and entertainment factor of visiting a Hamleys store is a huge draw for consumers and it is proved by the high footfall that their stores experience. Hamleys provide yet another point of difference for Dundrum Town Centre and goes further to reinforce our position as the number one shopping destination in Ireland.’
‘To be able to bring Hamleys to Dundrum is a wonderful achievement, and I am sure that every child (young and old!) will look forward to the opening in October, which will certainly bring Christmas early this year.’
Darren Peavoy of Bannon acted for the landlord.
Guy Grainger of Churston Heard represented Hamleys.
John Lewis has confirmed it is to debut in Ireland and open its first non-UK store in the capital city at Chartered Land’s O’Connell Street scheme.
