Great Yarmouth toy shop relocates to town centre store

Those are the excited words of Great Yarmouth toy shop owner Geoff Bateman following his relocation to a larger store in a central location in the town.

Mr Bateman's business Toy Box 55 started in earnest during the Covid-19 pandemic. Originally setting up inside the Victoria Arcade, Mr Bateman began specialising in new and used Lego products.

However, as his customer base grew, so did his stocklist.

Toy Box 55 has been enjoying more custom in its new location in the town centre. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Toy Box 55 made the move from the arcade to one side of the former Argos unit on Market Place on Saturday, April 29.

Moving into the recently divided unit has brought some teething problems, Mr Bateman said, but he feels the move has been a "brilliant decision".

"I haven't looked back," he said.

"It's been an expense, but I wanted to take a chance and I think it's going to pay off."

Toy Box 55 owner Geoff Bateman. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Mr Bateman said the difference in footfall between the Victoria Arcade and the town centre was "staggering".

"This location is amazing," he said.

"Footfall is noticeably higher here than down the arcade. People have come in asking if this is an entirely new business - they're surprised when I'm now in my third year.

"And once the market building is complete, I think it's going to be much busier."

Since the relocation, Mr Bateman said his Christmas Club orders have risen from six to 38, with the majority being from new customers.

An entire floor dedicated to Lego products at Great Yarmouth's Toy Box 55. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Toy Box 55 stocks a wide variety of different toys and children's games. And the new shop has allowed Mr Bateman to dedicate an entire floor to Lego.

"I just can't keep up with orders at the minute," he said.

"But I'm certainly less stressed in this place. And it's good to see old and new customers taking a look around.

"It's always a risk to take a leap. 

"But I'm glad I did."

Toy Box 55 has taken on more orders for its Christmas Club since relocation to the Market Place. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Toy Box 55 is open Monday to Saturday, from 9am until 4.30pm.

For more information, visit Toy Box 55 on Facebook.