Hamleys chief executive John Watkinson confirmed a move was under consideration. He said: 'The store has moved many times on Regent Street in the past 240 years. We are always looking for space that can improve our customers' shopping experience. When quality space like this comes on to the market you obviously have to look at it.'
In June, House of Fraser sold its Dickins & Jones shop to developer Shearer Property Group. Sports World and Zara have also been linked to the site, but both played this down.
On trading, Watkinson - who is stepping down, to be replaced by finance director Nick Mather - said: 'Business is not where we would like it to be. The tourist trade is all right, but the main impact has been on UK day-trippers. Weekend trade has been soft.'
No comments yet