Kuwait City, June 2, 2025 — The world’s most famous toy store, Hamleys, has officially opened its doors in Kuwait, bringing its unmistakable charm and wonder to The Avenues Mall — the country’s largest and most prestigious lifestyle destination. The sprawling 1170-square-meter flagship store was unveiled on May 31, marking Hamleys’ 9th store in the GCC region and its first-ever presence in Kuwait.
The opening is a major milestone in Hamleys’ continued expansion across the Middle East and further deepens its strategic collaboration with Middle East Retail Group, its trusted regional franchise partner.
A Wonderland of Play and Imagination
Hamleys at The Avenues offers a magical world of over 10,000 toys from 100+ global brands, transforming shopping into a theatrical experience. With immersive zones, live toy demonstrations, interactive play spaces, and appearances by beloved Hamleys characters like Hamley and Hattie Bear, the Toy Soldier, Rag Doll, and Circus Ringmaster, the store is designed to spark creativity and joy for children of all ages.
Special features include:
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Ralleyz RC racetrack for high-speed fun
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The Boutique for kids to explore cosmetics and DIY accessories
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Beloved toy brands like LEGO, Barbie, Marvel, Build-a-Bear, Hot Wheels, Bandai, and more
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Live entertainment and themed experiences that elevate the traditional retail concept
A Perfect Launchpad in Kuwait’s Retail Hub
Located in the heart of The Avenues — a mall spanning 1.3 million sq. meters with over 1,000 stores across 12 themed districts — the Hamleys store benefits from one of the highest footfalls in the region, positioning it as a must-visit family destination.
Sumeet Yadav, Global CEO of Hamleys, shared his excitement:
“Opening in Kuwait has long been a part of our vision. With The Avenues as our stage, we’re bringing not just toys, but the joy of storytelling, wonder, and imagination. This store celebrates our iconic British heritage while connecting with a whole new generation of families in the GCC.”
Nabil Daud, CEO of Middle East Retail Group, added:
“For so many Kuwaiti families, Hamleys is already a cherished name from overseas visits. We’re honored to bring that magic closer to home and make it a part of everyday life.”
Grand Opening Celebrations
The grand opening was a festive spectacle, featuring:
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A colourful parade through The Avenues
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A traditional bell-ringing ceremony
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Appearances by children’s characters and heroes
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Live music, games, and giveaways that turned the day into a family festival
A British Icon with Global Appeal
Founded in 1760 by William Hamley, Hamleys was acquired in 2019 by Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), part of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., a subsidiary of India’s Reliance Industries. With 187 stores in 13 countries, Hamleys remains rooted in its Regent Street, London flagship, while rapidly growing in global cities such as Rome, Milan, Sharjah, Doha, Tirana, and now Kuwait City.
British Ambassador to Kuwait, Her Excellency Belinda Lewis, praised the store’s opening:
“Hamleys is not just a British icon but a symbol of joy across generations. This opening reflects the strong cultural and commercial ties between the UK and Kuwait — and the shared joy of play.”
As Hamleys continues to enchant young hearts around the world, its arrival in Kuwait brings families a new destination where play, imagination, and storytelling reign supreme.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
Hamleys Opens Magical New Store in Kuwait’s The Avenues Mall, Marking Its 9th GCC Launch
