Smyths is an Irish multinational chain provider of children's toys, games and entertainment products with over 297 shops throughout western and central Europe. The business is owned by the Smyth family.[4]
The company is headquartered in Galway, with other offices in Belfast and London.
The group's turnover reached €1.465 billion in pandemic-hit 2020 with the majority of sales coming from the UK market while in 2023 the group turnover exceeded €2 billion.[5]
History
Smyths started out as a family newsagent on Main Street, Claremorris, County Mayo in 1935 before branching out into toys in 1986.[6][7] The original newsagent's shop in Claremorris remained in business under the Smyth's brand until late 2023.[8]
The company is run by three brothers, Tony, Padraig and Thomas Smyth. A fourth brother and director, Liam, died in July 2023.[9] Smyths is the UK and Ireland's largest toy retailer.[10]
Expansion to central Europe
On 24 April 2018, Smyths acquired Toys "R" Us shops in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.[11] In 2019, all the remaining shops in those countries were rebranded to Smyths.[12]
In July 2022, Smyths acquired French toy chain PicWicToys [fr] in France out of receivership, taking over 41 shops, 2 warehouses and a head office.[13][14]
Shops and subsidiaries
Smyths shops by country
Country
Number of shops
Republic of Ireland
21
Northern Ireland
7
England
103
Wales
7
Scotland
6
Germany
72
France
45
Austria
17
Switzerland
11
Netherlands
4
Totals
297
In total as of November 2024, Smyths operates over 297 shops across 7 countries: 21 shop in Ireland, 7 in Northern Ireland, 103 in England, 7 in Wales, 6 in Scotland,[15] 72 in Germany, 16 in Austria,[16] 10 in Switzerland,[17] 45 in France and 4 in the Netherlands.[18][19][20]
