IT’S not often children are told they are having a giraffe and their parents are serious, but that’s exactly what happened in Reading town centre on Saturday.
To celebrate the return of Toys R Us, the store’s popular mascot, Geoffrey made an appearance in Broad Street, posing for photos, shaking hands and putting smiles on shoppers’ faces.
Also making appearances were characters from Paw Patrol and Sylvanian Families.
The popular chain is opening stores within stores in branches of WHSmith across the country, with Reading being one of the first to open.
The first 50 children through the doors were given a goody bag with toys worth more than £20.
And for the first person in the line, they had an extra special moment to remember: they cut the ribbon to declare the store open. The honour went to 10-year-old Safa Iqbal who said she was pleased to be heading up the queue.
The new store will feature popular toys brands including Barbie, Bluey, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels, LEGO, Marvel, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Playmobil and Star Wars.
Children will be able to try out the latest products at demonstration tables, and on Saturday that included an expert from Marvin’s Magic, showing off some amazing tricks.
There is also lifesize Geoffrey the Giraffe sculpture, complete with a bench, is available for photo opportunities.
The Reading Toys R Us is upstairs in WHSmith, where the children’s books used to be. The store still has a selection of books available.
