Lego has announced plans to open 120 new stores this year, following a leap in the number of adults using the building kits during lockdown.

Despite the impacts of the pandemic on the retail industry, the business is on track to open a swathe of new stores worldwide throughout the year, 46 of which were opened in the first half.

The Danish toy firm recorded a 7% increase in revenues for the first half, up to DKK15.7bn (£1.8bn), while its operating profit jumped 11%.

The more complicated and bigger Lego sets proved most popular, with sales up two and a half times in the first half compared with last year, as families looked to complete projects together. 

Themed sets including Harry Potter, Star Wars and Disney Princess were also some of the most popular items.

While the retailer is adamant that its bricks-and-mortar experience is still relevant despite social distancing regulations, its ecommerce site also fared well, with visits doubling to 100 million in the first half. 

Chief executive Niels Christiansen told the BBC: “When our stores have reopened after lockdown, there have been queues. We give people the brand experience in our shops which we can’t do outside.

“We have more than a million adult fans signed up to our website. We saw a very positive development during the coronavirus lockdown when families began playing and building Lego sets together.”

“We’ve seen momentum continue into the second half of the year even after people started going back to work and to school. So the result is not just a reflection of two months when everyone was sitting at home.”