Hamleys ‘To Open Store In India’

Irish Examiner:

Toy shop Hamleys looks to be nearing a deal which could see it open its first store in India.

Hamleys, which is owned by Icelandic investor Baugur, is understood to have identified a site in Delhi, as well as an Indian retail partner, The Sunday Telegraph said.

If the negotiations are successful, the toys giant could start trading in India as early as next year.

Baugur, which bought Hamleys in June 2003 for €69m, has been looking to expand the chain and earlier this year announced plans to open sites in House of Fraser stores in major UK cities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham and Belfast.

It is also due to open its first standalone overseas store in Dubai later in the year, and holds franchise deals for 4 more stores in the Middle East. The group is also looking at entering the Chinese market.