Great Yarmouth toyshop hopeful for half term boost in trade

Kerrison Toys on King Street was put up for auction in April following a "tough couple of years" following a decline in footfall after the coronavirus pandemic.

However, after its failure to sell at two auctions, owner Stephen Kerrison said he remains hopeful for a boost in trade during the upcoming school holiday.
Stephen Kerrison. (Image: Archant)

"Truthfully, we have noticed many people in the area for this time of year, but we are hoping to see more people coming in over the next week," said Mr Kerrison, who owns the Yarmouth branch and a store in Norwich.

"Let's see how the half term goes."

The toyshop, which has been on King Street since the 1980s, has been up for auction twice in the past two months after the owner considered leaving the town after a noticeable decline in summer trade for the past three years.

Initially, the three-storey building was up with Bernard Marcus in April with a guide price of £180,000 and then again this week with a price of £150,000. The premises failed to sell both times.

READ MORE: Avenue Fabrics in Great Yarmouth moving due to high rent

Kerrison Toys on King Street, Great Yarmouth. (Image: James Weeds)Despite remaining open, Mr Kerrison said rumours had circulated online that the business was closed.

He added: "It just seems to be a little social media doing its usual thing and some people think we have shut.

"I just want to make people aware we are open, and we have always planned to stay open while the building is on the market. We still have plenty of stock and offers like we always have.

"We will continue to look at selling or keep battling on.

"Either way, Kerrison Toys remains open."

The store's possible sale comes as another town centre staple - Avenue Fabrics - announced its plans to move away from the area due to high rent increases.