Thursday, June 18, 2020

Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester

A look at the old Toys R Us store at the Central Retail Park on Great Ancoats Street in Manchester.


While looking through my photos during lockdown and prompted by my recent look at the old Woolworths store in Brunstane, Edinburgh I found these views of the old Toys R Us store at the former Central Retail Park on Great Ancoats Street in Manchester.

Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester. February 2019
The old Toys R Us unit at Central Retail Park in Manchester

The snaps were taken in February and March last year following the demise of the brand and the closure of the retail park.

Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester. February 2019
How the store looked in early February 2019 

Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester. March 2019
The demolition work had really begun when we passed by a month and a half later

Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester. March 2019
A look at the entrance to the store in March 2019

Toys R Us at the Central Retail Park in Manchester. March 2019
Geoffrey was the last to leave the Ancoats store


Working at Toys R Us


My first job during my time at university in the year 2000 was as one of Geoffrey's helpers at the Luton store. I worked on the video game and electronics section.

Shopping at Toys R Us


It was a real shame to see the brand go under. It was always a treat when me and my brothers would visit to buy games for our SEGA Master System in the 1990s. I've still got those games, some have the Toys R Us stickers on.

WWF WrestleMania Steel Cage Challenge for the SEGA Master System

WWF WrestleMania Steel Cage Challenge for the SEGA Master System
A nice piece of ephemera

Other lost brands


Our travels around the country have seen us spot the remnants of a number of old and defunct brands, including Woolworths in Stoke-on-Trent, Tandy in Hitchin, RadioShack in Lytham Saint Annes, Kwik Save in Barrow-in-Furness and Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester.

Do you have a favourite 'lost shop' from years gone by? Maybe the remains of an old brand are still visible on a building near where you live or work? Do let me know.

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