Early Learning Centre
This coverage examines Early Learning Centre’s operations and strategy within the UK retail market. Reporting highlights store activity, product developments, marketing initiatives, and leadership decisions that shape the brand’s role in toys and educational products. Insights are tailored for retail professionals monitoring trends in children’s retail, consumer behaviour, and the competitive landscape of specialist and high street toy retailers.
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Sep- 2025 -24 SeptemberEntertainment
The Entertainer to open first outlet store at Dalton Park
Toy retailer The Entertainer will open its first outlet store at Dalton Park in County Durham on 4 October. The 2,000 sq ft shop will stock toys and games from brands including Lego, Barbie and Paw Patrol, alongside the retailer’s Early Learning Centre and Addo private label ranges. The opening…
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Aug- 2025 -11 AugustHigh Street
The Entertainer to become an Employee Owned Trust
TEAL Group Holdings, owner of The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Addo Play Ltd, has announced that the Grant family are transferring their 100% ownership to an Employee Ownership Trust. Due to complete in September 2025, The Entertainer said this decision is the culmination of a long-term succession plan and…
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Jan- 2024 -5 JanuaryNews
Tesco and The Entertainer announce extended partnership
Tesco and The Entertainer have recently announced they are extending their partnership to cover the entire Tesco UK business, and the Republic of Ireland from March 2024. Tesco customers will be able to shop The Entertainer’s range of brands such as Barbie, Nerf, LOL and Paw Patrol, as well as…
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Sep- 2023 -14 SeptemberNews
The Entertainer appoints new CEO
The Entertainer, the UK’s largest independent toy retailer, has announced the appointment of Andrew Murphy as group chief executive officer. Murphy most recently held the role of group chief operating officer at John Lewis Partnership (JLP). He started his career on the John Lewis shop floor in Aberdeen, rising quickly…
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Sep- 2022 -9 SeptemberHigh Street
The Entertainer to partner with Tesco
Toy retailer, The Entertainer, has announced a partnership with Tesco to open branded concessions in around 35 Tesco stores across the country. The trial partnership will offer Tesco customers the chance to shop The Entertainer’s range of products from leading brands such as Barbie, Lego, Marvel and Paw Patrol. Gary…
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Oct- 2019 -21 OctoberSport & Leisure
The Entertainer reports 29% increase in profits to £14.7m
Toy retailer The Entertainer has defied the high-street gloom and reported a 29% increase in pre-tax profits to £14.7m. According to The Sunday Times, the profit increase was attributed to an increase in sales to £204.4m, up from £37.3m the previous. The Entertainer was founded by husband-and-wife team Gary and…
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May- 2019 -24 MayHigh Street
Mothercare swings to £87.3m loss in 2018
Mothercare has reported losses before tax of £87.3m for the year ending 30 March 2019. UK like-for-like sales declined by 8.9% compared with the prior year, which the retailer said was “exacerbated” in the first half by reduced consumer confidence in the brand following the group’s refinancing, together with “wider…
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Mar- 2019 -12 MarchClothing & Shoes
Early Learning Centre sold to The Entertainer for £13.5m
Mothercare has sold its Early Learning Centre (ELC) brand to toy retailer The Entertainer for £13.5m. The deal comes as part of restructuring and refinancing at Mothercare, with the retailer saying it means ambitions to be debt free by the end of the year had been bolstered. Mothercare said the…
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