Norwich gets new toystore

A Norwich businessman is expanding his toy empire by opening a new and bigger store in the city centre later this month.

Nick Wells opened his first toystore in St Benedict's Street, Norwich six years ago, and has also run toystores in the city's Pottergate and St Gregory's Alley.

His newest and largest store, which will sell toys and games for both children and collectors, will open at the for-mer Clark's Baggage Factory shop in Davey Place on June 26.

Called Toyz and Gamez, the new store will be based on two floors and will stock up to 7,000 different products.

To celebrate the opening, Marcus Akin, from Big Brother 10, will be at the store alongside members of the Norwich Star Wars Club.

Mr Wells, a 34-year-old father of one, collected toys as a child and opened his first shop after selling his collec-tion.

He said: 'This new shop is definitely more central and there's more pedestrian traffic outside. It's also close to the market and the two city shopping malls, so it's a good crossroads.

'There's a lot more extra space so we will have two floors of toys and games with about 7,000 products to sell.'

Mr Wells' former toystore in St Gregory's Alley, named Indiana's Toystore after his daughter, is now closed, and his shop in Pottergate will shut a few days before the Davey Place business opens.

As reported, another toy and model shop opened in the city last week.

National chain Modelzone opened a day later than expected at the former model store Keller's Model Marque in Cattle Market Street, which closed earlier in the month after having been a presence in the city for more than 20 years.

Its grand opening had been planned for Thursday, June 10, but a hit and run driver ploughed into the building the previous evening, which meant it could not open until a day later.

Are you opening a new shop in the city? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.