Hamleys opens first store in Riyadh at Panorama Mall

The doors will open to the public at 4:00pm with Opening Day celebrations to include family entertainment such as face painting, clowns, balloon benders, magicians and the popular Hamleys' bear mascot.

Introducing a fresh new concept store designed for the Saudi market the 2,100 sqmHamleys store will delight children and adults alike with its magical atmosphere, a hallmark of the famous toy store's brand. Featuring larger-than-life doll houses, dinosaurs, planes, race cars, popular children's heroes such as Spiderman, Batman, Ben 10 and the iconic 'Big Red' London Bus, the new Hamleys store at Panorama Mall will create a truly entertaining and interactive experience with playful themes around every corner.

Drawing upon local and international influences and tastes, children will be spoilt for choice with Hamleys' huge range of toys from favoured traditional classics to carrying the latest trendy 'must-haves', all of which can be tried and tested before purchase. For an easier shopping experience, the store is categorised according to the type of toy or play experience such as Arts & Crafts, Science, Construction, Games & Puzzle and Boys, Girls and Pre-School toys.

"We're delighted to be introducingthe Hamleysbrand to Riyadh and bringing an experience to the local community that has enriched the lives of millions of children and adults around the world," said Steve McShane, General Manager for Hamleys GCC. "From our extensive range of toys, trusted brands and a year-round entertainment from live toy demonstrations, magicians and interactive play areas, we're looking forward to sharing the magical experience that Hamleys is world renowned for. The fun starts this Thursday January 26, and the entire community is invited to join in the celebrations with all day entertainment for children and adults."

"The opening of the Hamleys store in Saudi Arabia is another step towards achieving our expansion plans across the GCC and Middle East markets," said Jon Knight, Chief Operating Officer for Retail Arabia International, the franchise operator in the Middle East for Hamleys. "With threeHamleys stores already open across the region including the flagship in Dubai, we are pleased with our new store in this key market. We look forward to opening more Hamleys stores in the West and the East provinces and within Kuwait and Qatar during the next 18 months."

Hamleys was established in the UK in 1970 by William Hamleys. The flagship store on London's Regent Street has become an iconic landmark and is one of the top visited tourist destinations in the city. With the vision to provide children with 'the finest toys in the world', Hamleys has become a household trademark name around the globe.

Hamleyswill open its doors on Thursday January 26 in Riyadh at Panorama Mall, which is located on Takhassusi Street, Cross - Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz Road.