A NEW independent toy shop is set to move into the Crowngate this weekend.

Toy Town has taken on the vacant unit that used to be home to Mothercare in Crowngate and has been empty since the company moved out in January.

The store has plans for a 'quiet opening' on Saturday.

A spokesman for Toy Town said: “We are really excited to be expanding with a new shop in Worcester. It is a great opportunity to bring something to Worcester that was lost when Mothercare left as we don’t just do toys we also offer a wide range of nursery furniture including pushchairs and car seats.

“The team in Worcester has been working really hard to make sure the opening this weekend goes smoothly.

"We have hired a team of six local people headed up by our store manager Nicky Clark.

"Although it is brilliant to be opening we are not having an event as such.

It is a quiet opening as we don’t want to draw too big a crowd and put anyone at risk in these unprecedented times.

“But, we look forward to welcoming the people of Worcester to our new store and we hope they like what we have to offer.”

Rival toy shop, Toys and Games of Worcester is just across the road in Broad Street but its owner says he is not threatened by a competitor so close.

Owner, Tim Evans said: “Worcester is a great place to live and a great place to trade. It is no surprise that shops want to come to our wonderful city.

“Broad Street now has eight empty units so new shops moving in in time for Christmas is going to happen. It is obviously the place to be!

“We have lots of loyal and wonderful customers and will be here serving them for a long time to come.”

The popular family run toy shop has gone from strength to strength since it started delivering to Worcester families during the lockdown - a service it is continuing.

Mr Evans said: “We are truly humbled by all the orders and kind words from our customers.

"We have been inundated with orders.

"I’m desperately trying to update our website but please bear with us, we’re not an online store and nor do we want to be.

“We value our interactions too much to move in that direction, we are and will remain a traditional toy shop, we value your friendship, your custom and your conversation.

“We remain here for you."

Mr Evans said he was continuing to deliver for free within Worcester, Kempsey, Powick, Hallow, Fernhill Heath and Whittington and to post items further afield.

Toy Town was founded in Belfast in 1980 as a small family run company but since then has grown into one of the largest independent toy retailers in the UK and Ireland.