1981
Our first store opens
Gary and Catherine Grant open the first Entertainer toy shop in Amersham, England.
About The Entertainer
Our story
For more than four decades, The Entertainer has helped families discover toys, games and gifts that make playtime memorable. What began as one toy shop in Amersham in 1981 has grown into an international toy family built around play, people and purpose.
Proudly employee owned
People have always been at the heart of The Entertainer
Gary and Catherine Grant founded The Entertainer in 1981 when they opened a toy shop in Amersham, England. After 44 years, the Grant family transferred 100% of its holdings into an Employee Owned Trust in 2025.
That means colleagues have a greater voice in how the business moves forward and can share in its success as a community.
Our history
Landmarks along the way
From our first shop to international expansion, new toy brands and employee ownership, these are some of the moments that shaped The Entertainer.
1999
TheToyShop.com launches
The Entertainer brings its toy expertise online for families to shop from home.
2013
The Entertainer goes international
International expansion begins with stores opening in Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
2015
Addo Play joins the family
Toy manufacturer Addo Play becomes part of The Entertainer family.
2019
Early Learning Centre joins
The Entertainer acquires Early Learning Centre, bringing two much-loved toy names together.
2022
ELC expands with Marks & Spencer
Early Learning Centre launches in Marks & Spencer stores in the UK.
2024
New branded concessions
The Entertainer expands its UK presence through Tesco stores and Moonpig online.
2025
We become employee owned
The Grant family transfers 100% of its holdings into an Employee Owned Trust.
The wider Entertainer family
Built on decades of toy expertise
Our roots are in the UK, where The Entertainer has grown into the country’s largest chain of toy shops, alongside a major online range and partnerships with other leading retailers.
Inspiring generosity
Helping play make a positive difference
Since partnering with Pennies in 2011, The Entertainer has helped raise £5.4 million for children’s charities and hospitals through simple digital micro-donations in the UK.
It is part of a long-standing commitment to use the business to support children, families and communities beyond the toys on the shelf.
The Entertainer in the UAE
Global toy heritage, made convenient for UAE families
The Entertainer UAE brings this toy heritage to families across the Emirates. Shop toys, games and gifts by age, category, brand and play style, with convenient local online ordering and customer support.