The arrival of Hamleys, a new-to-market brand in South Africa, adds to V&A Waterfront’s collection of family-friendly stores. Occupying 1088.2m2 of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, ‘The Finest Toy Shop in the World’ promises an in-store concept where play takes centre stage.

Shoppers will step into a toy wonderland that is stocked with an array of over 15 000 toys ranging from the traditional to the high-tech, games and puzzles to arts and crafts, magic and the Luvley Boutique – where children will find a selection of hair and nail products to dress themselves up with – and of course the iconic Hamleys Teddy Bear.

Hamleys’ approach focuses on ‘bringing toys to life’ for children and families by actively encouraging children to play with the toys in store or by engaging with expert toy demonstrators. Memories underpin the essence of the Hamleys brand – shoppers will be able to meet an array of Hamleys characters, take part in interactive toy demonstrations and enjoy special appearances from the world of TV and film.

Hamleys at the V&A Waterfront is also the first store to ever have its very own Hamleys train. The Hamleys Express will run daily from the train station outside the Big Wheel and will stop at the Watershed, providing an exciting adventure for children visiting the Waterfront.

“We are delighted that V&A Waterfront is home to one of the Hamleys’ flagship stores in South Africa and look forward to a close and fruitful partnership.  V&A Waterfront has established itself as a one-stop destination for families, and the arrival of the well-loved Hamleys brand will further enhance the shopper experience at our mall.   Children will build lasting memories of fun and joy while adults will relive memories of their childhood at Hamleys in V&A Waterfront,” says David Green, CEO V&A Waterfront.

“As the oldest toy shop in the world with 255 years of heritage, we are extremely excited to introduce the iconic Hamleys experience to shoppers in South Africa. Our flagship store at V&A Waterfront offers thousands of quality toys, opportunities for children to play, engaging store design, expertise in service and amazing toy demonstration – features that make Hamleys ‘The Finest Toy Shop in the World’. We are looking forward to bringing delight and smiles to the faces of families here with the opening of Hamleys V&A Waterfront,” says Gudjon Reynisson, CEO, Hamleys UK.

In line with the grand opening of Hamleys, shoppers can take part in the opening, on Thursday, 27 August, by uploading photos onto social media with the hashtag #HamleysSA.

For more information, visit www.hamleys.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.