LONDON, September 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
BusinessesForSale.com, the market-leading directory of business opportunities, is expecting a spike in interest in toy shops for sale following the sale of Britain's most 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 in Hampshire on the market for just £13,000, a Staffordshire museum-cum-toyshop going for £25,000 and, most unusual of all, a toy shop with adjoining internet café and PC repair shop in Surrey.
Hamleys will soon be a franchise opportunity as 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."
SOURCE Hamleys
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