Orbit brings kids retailer to Bolton

Smyths Toys is to open a 12,600 sq ft store next month in Bolton at Middlebrook Retail & Leisure Park after signing a 15-year lease with Orbit Developments.

The new store, in a unit previously occupied by furniture retailer Reid Furniture, will start trading on 11 February and recruitment of around 30 staff is well underway.

A spokesman for Smyths Toys said: "We look forward to offering shoppers the best range and quality of products, all available at the most competitive prices. Opening a new store in Bolton is a great opportunity and is also sure to provide some fantastic employment opportunities in the local community. We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic staff and encourage them to find out more on our website at SmythsToys.com."

Mark Hanna, senior retail leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, said: "We've been working hard to strengthen our line-up and we are delighted to be welcoming toy superstore Smyths Toys to Middlebrook. The retail park has seen considerable growth this year with footfall increasing by 8.3% since January. I am confident Smyths Toys' arrival will be a significant boost for the retail park and will increase dwell times as well as attracting new customers to the business park."

Middlebrook Retail Park, close to the M61, comprises a total of 639,085 sq ft of retail space let to a variety of tenants including River Island, Next, Marks & Spencer, Laura Ashley, Boots and Argos.