Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Toy Store in Amersham
Established in 1981, The Entertainer has grown from a single toy shop in Amersham to the UK's largest toy retail chain. Our journey includes pioneering online sales through TheToyShop.com in 1999, international expansion into Pakistan and Azerbaijan, and strategic acquisitions like Addo Play and Early Learning Centre. As an employee-owned trust since 2025, we prioritise community values while maintaining our commitment to quality play experiences. With over 160 stores and 7,000 online products, we combine 44 years of industry expertise with innovative retail solutions. Our partnership with Pennies since 2011 has raised 5.4 million for children's charities, demonstrating our dedication to social responsibility.We offer comprehensive services including Click & Collect, next-day delivery, and branded concessions in major retailers. Our team of 2,719 professionals maintains rigorous product safety standards while curating diverse toy ranges for all age groups. Through initiatives like toy recycling programs and seasonal promotions, we strive to make playtime both accessible and sustainable. Our heritage of customer-centric service remains central to our mission of inspiring generosity through play.
Services
Toy Retail
Online Shopping
Click & Collect
Charity Donations
Product Recycling
Seasonal Promotions
Next Day Delivery
Branded Concessions
Toy Manufacturing
Gift Card Services
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 44 years of specialist toy retail expertise since 1981
- Employee-owned trust ensuring customer-focused service excellence
- Comprehensive product range covering all age groups and interests
- Charitable partnership raising 5.4 million for children's causes
- Nationwide delivery and Click & Collect services available
Services
Toy Retail
The Entertainer offers comprehensive toy retail services featuring 7,000+ products across multiple categories. Our stores and online platform provide age-appropriate toys from leading brands like LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels. With 160 physical locations and international presence, we ensure accessible shopping experiences through Click & Collect and next-day delivery options.
Online Shopping
Our digital platform provides 24/7 access to the full product range with exclusive online deals. Customers benefit from detailed product descriptions, secure payment options, and integrated delivery tracking. The website features age-specific recommendations and seasonal promotions to enhance the shopping experience for modern families.
Charity Donations
Through our partnership with Pennies, we facilitate micro-donations to children's charities during card transactions. This initiative has raised 5.4 million since 2011, supporting regional hospitals and children's organisations. Customers can contribute through convenient digital rounding-up at checkout.
Product Recycling
We promote sustainable play through responsible disposal programs for electronic and plastic toys. Our initiatives help reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety standards. Customers receive guidance on proper recycling procedures for various toy types.
Seasonal Promotions
Regular promotional campaigns include Black Friday discounts, Christmas sales, and clearance events. These offers provide cost-effective shopping opportunities with deals like 'Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price' and '2 for 10' on selected lines, enhancing accessibility to quality toys.
People
Gary Grant
Founder
Co-founded The Entertainer in 1981, establishing Amersham's first toy store. Transferred ownership to Employee Owned Trust after 44 years of leadership, ensuring continued community-focused business practices and sustainable growth strategies.
Catherine Grant
Co-founder
Jointly established The Entertainer with Gary Grant in 1981. Instrumental in developing the company's charitable initiatives and community engagement programs that continue to shape the business's social responsibility approach.
Questions
What delivery options are available?
We offer free next-day delivery on orders over £75, standard delivery from £3.50, and free Click & Collect from 2,719 Tesco stores when spending £39.99+.
How do returns work?
Return items within 28 days with proof of purchase. Online purchases can be returned to any UK store or via our free returns label service for online orders.
What is the Pennies charity program?
Our partnership with Pennies enables customers to round-up purchases to support children's charities. Since 2011, this initiative has raised £5.4 million for UK hospitals and child welfare organisations.
Do you have international stores?
We operate stores in Pakistan and Azerbaijan, with online delivery available to multiple countries. Our international expansion began in 2013 with The Entertainer brand presence in these markets.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept major credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and gift cards. In-store payments can be made through contactless, chip & PIN, or Apple Pay for convenient transactions.
Are there recycling options for old toys?
We provide guidance on responsible disposal of electronic and plastic toys. Our sustainability initiatives include proper recycling procedures for various toy types to reduce environmental impact.
