A NEW toy store opened in Cirencester recently.

Funky Monkey opened on Saturday, October 8 at the Woolmarket near the Cirencester town centre.

Over 50 customers waited expectantly for the doors to open, with queues stretching from the store to the entrance of the Woolmarket shopping centre.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Goody bags and balloons were given to reward the ‘early bird’ shoppers as they entered the store for the first time.

Owners, Justin and Rebecca Horton, who own the children’s clothing and gift store Chickadee, also located in the Woolmarket, welcomed visitors during a busy first day of trade.

“We are absolutely delighted to be opening our sister store to Chickadee, Funky Monkey," said Justin.

"We hope that people will find the new store to be welcoming, fun and exciting to visit. 

"We hope that the toys and gifts suit all tastes.

"We’ve also made sure that we have a vast array of affordable options for people to choose from.

"We know that times are hard - we have two young children and can appreciate how expensive life can be for families, particularly at the moment.

"But with great quality toys starting at £1.99 we think we have got everyone covered.”

The toy store has secured exclusive rights to sell the popular brands Brio, Schleich, Bruder, Tonies and Orchard Toys.

Rebecca says that the couple have received an amazing reaction from customers since opening.

“We are so overwhelmed by the reaction to our store," she said. 

"People are loving the fun atmosphere.

"Kids are also making excellent use of our play area.

"They love our colourful and fun store and particularly appreciate the wide range of toys we offer.

"Our best seller to date?

"The amazing Tonie box – it’s a wonderful imagination-building, screen-free digital listening experience that plays stories, songs, and tonnes more.”

Customers can visit the new store seven days a week, Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm and from 10.30am to 3.30pm on a Sunday.