Hamleys begins global expansion by opening first store in Jordan

The iconic toy retailer Hamleys opened its first international store in Jordan yesterday.

The opening of the three storey store in Jordanian capital Amman marks the start of global expansion for Hamleys, which is best-known for its flagship store on London's Regent Street.

The Jordan store sells a wide range of toys from traditional toys to more quirky products and is operated by its retail franchise partner, Jordan Centre.

In August, Hamleys is to open a store in Dubai's grandiose The Dubai Mall and in October it will unveil a standalone store in Dublin’s Dundrum Town Centre.

Hamleys' chief executive Gudjon Reynisson, who took the helm this spring, said it was "possible" that the toy retailer would open its first stores in India and Turkey next year. "We are in negotiations with potential partners in India and hopefully there will be some news soon."

Asked if Hamleys, in which Icelandic investment group Baugur has a stake, would open in UK cities outside of London, Reynisson said: "We are always looking for good locations," but declined to comment on speculation about a Manchester opening.