Hamleys of London Limited

Read all the poor reviews about Hamleys but was pleasantly surprised. The store was buzzing and each counter had a member of staff demonstrating the toys. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Only negatives I could think of is the prices are a bit more expensive than other stores and it was very busy in there - saw one very distressed mum who lost her child but later found him so make sure you keep a a close on them in there!

I was recently in London. I had heard a lot about this store so went there to see for myself. The store is huge however I was disappointed with the prices in the store. I bought an item for my toddler but while shopping at John Lewis ( Just 1 block away ), I found that the prices were 30% down there for the item that I had bought. ( The item was 30 pounds at Hamleys, whereas the same item was for only 22 pounds at John Lewis.)

When I wrote to Hamleys they were not apologetic about it. According to them they charge higher prices for the shopping experience that they provide.

So Visitors beware, You might want to go to Hamleys to take a look but before buying do checkout the other stores in the neighbour hood and you might get a better deal.

Hamleys is a magnificent emporium for kids and the young at heart. It has been going since 1760.

I have been to the store in Regent St before I had children of my own, but to go there with your own kids and see their eyes light up is a sight in itself.

You have over 5 floors of toys, games and activities. More importantly the store is welcoming. It is there for kids to enjoy, to touch and feel.

I went to a branch of Toys r Us abroad several months ago. My 2 year old sat on a bike and the assistant came running down to get him off the bike. No problems at Hamleys, they know if they can try the toys, get excited by them the parents are more likely to buy them.

We went in June, the staircase had a Chronicles of Narnia design to it. The store was cacophony of noise. I would add that there is a premium you pay on the prices. Some toys can be found cheaper if you shop around. Others are less likely to be available unless you try the rival toy department at Harrods.

One note of disappointment. Considering it is a high class toy store, the kids changing rooms located on the top floor was in an appalling state.