Toy specialist The Entertainer has arranged a new agreement with its bank, providing it with “financial firepower” for further investment in growth.

The Entertainer, the UK’s biggest independent toy retailer, has extended its facilities with Barclays UK Corporate until 2028, following strong sales growth over the last two years.

The retailer delivered a sales increase of approximately 20% over that period, which has continued into 2026. The extended financing arrangement will allow The Entertainer to invest in new stores, its customer proposition, including online, as well as in technology upgrades, international growth and the relaunch of the Meccano brand. 

The Entertainer chief executive Andrew Murphy said: “Our trading performance since the end of December – at 20% year on year – has been exceptionally strong, giving us great confidence as we look ahead. With new stores opening, Sunday trading now well established and a huge brand relaunch to come in the summer for Meccano, we are in a strong position – financially and commercially – to drive towards our £500m group sales target that is fast coming into view on the horizon.”

The relationship between the retailer and Barclays, now entering its 46th year, is thought to be one of the most longstanding in retail.

Barclays UK Corporate managing director and national head of retail and wholesale Karen Johnson said: “We are delighted to continue supporting The Entertainer as it builds upon a period of growth and looks ahead to its next phase of expansion.”

The Entertainer was founded by entrepreneur Gary Grant and his wife, Catherine, who last month were recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Retail Award at the Retail Week Awards.

After the Grants decided to step back from direct involvement in the business they transferred ownership to The Entertainer’s staff last year.

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