'So sad' say shoppers as major toy retailer set to close store this weekend

Daily Mirror

29-04-2025

The store in Barrow-in-Furness had taken over a former Argos unit in the town centre in 2017 - but it will close for good on May 3
Toy chain The Entertainer is set to close one of its stores this weekend. The retailer is pulling down the shutters on its Barrow-in-Furness branch on May 3.
The store in Barrow had taken over a former Argos unit in the town centre in 2017. Shoppers have reacted with sadness about the news on social media.
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One person said: "Staff where brilliant I wish them every bit of luck in future as they always where very interactive with the kids it's such a shame." Another said: "It's a shame I always go here with grandson."
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A third posted: "So sad they also showed kids how to use toys before they buy them." A fourth said: "It's such a shame it's a lovely shop for the kiddies and it's in town which is so important."
Keith Stenhouse, Head of Region at The Entertainer, said: "We are sad to be closing our Barrow-in-Furness store as of 3rd May and would like to thank our customers and staff for their loyalty and support. We're proud of the service we've offered and are committed to supporting our employees through this situation."
John Edwards, who was a manager at the store for a number of years, said: "It was always important to me it wasn't just a shop, it had to be an experience and be somewhere kids were excited to go - it's a huge shame to lose that."
The Entertainer, which has around 160 stores, isn't the only retailer to be closing shops in recent months. It comes after gaming chain Geek Retreat announced it was shutting its Bristol branch in order to focus on its Newport store.
Geek Retreat opened its first store in Glasgow in 2013 and had as many as 57 outlets in its heyday. This figure now sits at just 21, according to the Geek Retreat website.
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Geek Retreat manager Liam said: 'After a lot of thought, I've made the tough decision to close the Bristol store. When I took on both Bristol and Newport, I genuinely believed I could give both sites the time and attention they deserved – even with 30 miles between them."
Furniture store Room Perfected in Manchester announced it is temporary closing for a refurbishment, and launched an Easter weekend sale with up to 40% off.
The discounts include coffee tables, dining chairs, rugs, mirrors and accessories, as well as accent furniture, vases and ornaments and marble and quartz side tables. Mike Seddon of Room Perfected said the store is being upgraded following feedback from customers.
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The Room Perfected website will continue to run while the store upgrade is happening. Mr Seddon said: "When the refitted showroom reopens, Room Perfected will be THE place to find quality furniture in Greater Manchester with a focus on style and design.
"The new aim is to offer you much more bang for your money (or buck) so you can get the designer look for a lot less £'s, with awesome daily and weekly deals for in-store customers. Our new ranges and prices will be totally irresistible so watch this space for more announcements.'