Hamleys Sale Spotlights Recession-Proof Sector

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• Publié par: hamleys
• Nombre de lectures: 29
• Langue: English

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Hamleys Sale Spotlights Recession-Proof Sector

PR Newswire LONDON, September 20, 2012

LONDON,September 20, 2012/PRNewswire/ -- BusinessesForSale.com, the market-leading directory of business opportunities, is expecting a spike in interest intoy shops for salefollowing the sale of Britain'smost famous toy shop. Hamleys, which was founded 252 years ago in 1760, has been acquired by French company Groupe Ludendo in a deal worth £60m. Although the rise of Toys R Us and video games have posed serious threats to traditional toy shops, the sector is widely seen as comparatively recession- proof. The 2008 financial crash sparked a resurgence in demand for traditional toys, which parents perceived as offering better value. Moreover, the demise of Woolworth's saw £300m of business rerouted to independent retailers. Toy shops currently for sale on BusinessesForSale.com include a well- established shop inHampshireon the market for just £13,000, aStaffordshire museum-cum-toyshop going for £25,000 and, most unusual of all, a toy shop with adjoining internet café and PC repair shop inSurrey. Hamleys will soon be afranchise opportunityas Groupe Ludendo is expanding the brand, which has 22 stores around the world, through franchising. Andrew Markou, CEO and technical director of BusinessesForSale.com, says: "Toy shops exert a powerful hold on our imagination long into adulthood. But there's more to the attraction of buying a toy shop than nostalgia alone. "They're often among the most affordable businesses and require no specialist skills or experience, so it's a great way to realise your dream of being your own boss." He continues: "Aspiring toy shop owners might even consider buying a Hamleys franchise. There could hardly be a more prestigious business opportunity than the world's most famous toy shop."