Toys in Ringwood's Furlong centre closes its doors

The deputy mayor of Ringwood said the town would “never be the same again” following the announcement Toys of Ringwood would close at the end of March, having welcomed generations of children through its doors.

Officials in The Furlong shopping centre have stressed the much-loved store is not closing for financial reasons – instead its long-time owners Peter Sargeant and Mike Holyoake are retiring.

Peter said: “We have enjoyed over 30 years at The Furlong shopping centre as the community toy shop. We have loved serving the people of Ringwood and seeing both new and old faces through the years. However, it is the right time for us to go and Mike and myself are looking forward to our retirement years.”

Toys in Ringwood. Picture: The Furlong shopping centre

Marketing manager for The Furlong, Charlie Reed, said: “We will be sad to see the departure of one of our longest standing retailers. The Toy Shop have superbly served the children of Ringwood and our wider community for over three decades.

“We would like to wish Peter and Mike all the best for their upcoming retirement. We will be opening a new retailer soon but unfortunately can’t disclose details just yet.”

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Residents took to social media to express gratitude for the one room shop.

One woman said: “This has been a regular visit for us since having both our children and are sad to see it closing. We’ve never come out empty handed.”

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Another said: “Such an amazing store. I remember the day many years ago I bought my daughter a Playmobil midwife and incubator from your store. My daughter is now in her final year of her midwifery degree. Such special memories of when I gave the set to her, thank you.”

Toys in Ringwood's Furlong shopping centre

Deputy mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Philip Day, added: “It really will be sadly missed. It was a regular port of call when my children were of a certain age.

“Ringwood without a toy shop, it almost doesn’t bear thinking about, the town will never be the same again.

“Toy shops are different because children love going in and picking out their toy, it’s not the same buying them online. I do hope someone else comes along and keeps it going in some way.”