The Entertainer, the UK’s largest independent toy retailer, today announces that it has extended its facilities with Barclays UK Corporate Bank until 2028. The agreement is the latest reaffirmation of one of the longest standing banking relationships in retail – now entering its 46th year.
Coming off the back of two consecutive years of 20%+ sales growth and with 2026 seeing that trend maintained, the facility provides The Entertainer with the financial firepower to ensure its growth momentum continues, specifically through investment in opening further new stores, enhancement of the customer proposition in-store and online, commercial technology upgrades, international growth and the relaunch of the iconic Meccano brand.
The announcement follows the successful Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transaction completed in August 2025. With a motivated, employee-owned workforce, a refreshed strategy and a balance sheet strengthened for the years ahead, The Entertainer is well positioned to build on its market-leading position and pursue further expansion with confidence.
Martin Rothwell, group chief financial officer, commented: “This revised funding package is an important milestone for The Entertainer, a strong endorsement of how the business is managed and our strategy for continued above-market growth. We are grateful to Barclays for their continued support and to our advisers at PwC and Osborne Clarke for their assistance in completing this agreement”.
Group CEO Andrew Murphy said, “Our trading performance since the end of December has been exceptionally strong and gives us even greater confidence as we look ahead. With new stores opening, Sunday trading now well established and a huge brand relaunch to come in the summer for Meccano, we are in a strong position — financially and commercially — to drive towards our £500m Group sales target which is fast coming into view on the horizon.”
Karen Johnson, Managing Director and National Head of Retail & Wholesale, for Barclays UK Corporate Bank said:
“We are delighted to continue supporting The Entertainer as it builds upon a period of growth and looks ahead to its next phase of expansion. We look forward to working closely with the team as they invest for the future and pursue their growth ambitions in the UK and internationally.”
