China's largest toy store is British export

Just before Christmas, 257-year-old British Toy Retailer Hamleys opened its largest store worldwide in Beijing, the third one so far in China. An exclusive Hamleys Toy Parade was held to celebrate the opening, timed to coincide with the start of Christmas festivities.

A boy poses for a smartphone photo outside of Hamleys toy store during its grand opening in Beijing, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. [Photo/AP/Mark Schiefelbein]

Located in Beijing's Wangfujing area that contains the most famous shopping streets in China, similar to Oxford Street in London, the store boasts 5 floors with thousands of items on display. From traditional toys to high-tech entertainment and educational games for children of all ages, the store boasts a range of entertainment facilities as well.

Inside the store, the design and layout emulates Hamleys stores in the UK to create the same entertaining and engaging experience to its customers. It was also designed and built in an eco-friendly way to reduce emissions.

People look at a display of Lego creations at Hamleys toy store during its grand opening in Beijing, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. [Photo/AP/Mark Schiefelbein]

Guided by Hamleys principal slogan 'Bring Toys to Life', Hamleys Beijing is poised to go beyond the concept of a traditional Toy Store, establishing itself as a Lifestyle Centre Store.

The grand opening was witnessed by the British ambassador, Barbara Woodward, along with a host of other high-profile personalities.

Currently Hamleys has expanded its brand to 25 countries including China, Ukraine, Germany, Russia, and India.