Great Yarmouth toy shops see Hot Wheels flying off shelves

With only a few days to go until Father Christmas leaves presents under the tree for youngsters across the borough, toy shops in the town centre have seen an increase in footfall.

Toy Box 55 owner Geoff Bateman said many shoppers are in the festive mood, filling their baskets with Paw Patrol toys and Hot Wheels cars.

Hot Wheels City Ultimate is tipped to be a big seller this Christmas. Picture - DreamToys/PA Wire (Image: DreamToys/PA Wire)"It's been absolutely fantastic turnout so far," said Mr Bateman.

"Yesterday and today have been so busy with shoppers. A lot of items have been flying off the shelves.

"It was the best decision to move earlier in the year. It's been night and day."

Geoff Bateman by his shop, Toy Box 55, shortly after moving inside the former Argos unit in Great Yarmouth town centre. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mr Bateman said he was also surprised to see a keen interest returning to remote control cars this year.

"They have been very popular, and the nine or so different items we have had in have just flown out," he said.

"Last year, it was Barbie everyone wanted. It's fascinating how tastes change so quickly."

Father Christmas has set up a Grotto inside Toy Box 55. Picture - Toy Box 55 (Image: Toy Box 55)To help shoppers get into the Christmas spirit further, Toy Box 55 is hosting Santa's Grotto inside the shop on Friday from 10am until 2pm, Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Over at Kerrison Toys on King Street, shoppers have been returning for their firm favourites.

Steve Kerrison, owner of Kerrison Toys in Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)"Lego and Sylvanian Families continue to be the products people want most," said owner Steve Kerrison.

"But there's been no clear winner in terms of what people want. It seems quite across the board this year."

Kerrison Toys on King Street, Great Yarmouth. Picture - Google (Image: Google)Mr Kerrison said trade has picked up as Christmas draws nearer. Fireworks sales remain fairly low, but he expects shoppers will be coming in in the run-up to New Year.

After Christmas Day, Kerrison Toys will reopen on December 27 until the end of the day on New Year's Eve and will resume trading on January 2.