Tim Waterstone is focussing on expanding his Daisy & Tom children's emporium, but has not ruled out another acquisition attempt.
Waterstone, founder of the eponymous book retailer, backed down in the recent bidding war with Baugur for famous toy shop Hamleys.
Waterstone, now on holiday in Crete, said he will concentrate on 'more aggressive' expansion of his five-store Daisy & Tom chain. Five or six stores a year will open from next year.
He said he has considered other possible acquisitions, but Hamleys had been the 'best fit' for a merger with his existing business. He added: 'I'm not a naturally acquisitive kind of businessman. I'd rather develop my own business.'
He said that any future acquisitions would have to be suitably 'synergistic' for him to consider buying them.
Waterstone and business partner, publisher DC Thomson, plan Daisy & Tom stores of either 10,000 to 12,000 sq ft (929 to 1,115 sq m) or smaller premises of 3,000 to 4,000 sq ft (280 to 370 sq m).
The smaller shops will target the zero to four-year-old age group and include clothes and nursery products such as prams and carry cots.
The larger stores, modelled on the existing Guildford outlet, will target a broader age range and carry a wider range of clothes, toys and books.
Daisy & Tom targets upmarket customers and sells designer labels including Burberry. Own-brand clothing is also being developed.
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