The Entertainer, the fastest-growing, family-owned high street toy retailer in the UK, has confirmed the acquisition of Poly, a chain of 57 toy shops in Spain.

Poly stores sell a range of toys and games and operate in shopping centres and high streets across Spain, making it an excellent fit for The Entertainer’s business model. Poly was acquired through a competitive bid managed by an administrator, which will result in all 57 of its stores remaining open and the saving of more than 350 jobs. The acquisition will add to The Entertainer’s growing International footprint, with the retailer aiming to regain the 5% Spanish market share that Poly previously had.

Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman of The Entertainer, commented: “This year has understandably been incredibly turbulent for the Poly team as they faced so much uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming them to The Entertainer family. The Poly brand will be retained but aligned with The Entertainer’s core values, which put our people and our customers at the very heart of our business.”

“Our immediate focus is to work with our suppliers to ensure that all 57 stores are stocked for the remainder of the festive trading period. This will include the introduction of the full range of products from our sister company Addo, which will offer Spanish consumers excellent quality at affordable prices.”

The Entertainer has experienced sustained growth over the last 35 years and has been expanding internationally for the last five years primarily through its franchise programme, resulting in the opening of over 30 stores in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The Poly acquisition is part of The Entertainer’s growth plan that will see it expand its international reach and is the UK toy retailer’s first full European acquisition; it is a significant milestone for the business that takes its total locations to over 300.