New toy store opening today

Toy Barnhaus opens in the store in Swan Walk previously occupied by Hawkin’s Bazaar, opposite Sports Direct.

Established in 2009, the independent chain’s store in Horsham is its seventh shop.

Co-owners Mark Buschhaus and Stephen Barnes are both from Crawley, and Mark said the ex-Woolworths management duo have been eyeing up a store in Horsham for some time.

He said: “What we will bring to Horsham is a great range with fantastic prices and a bit of fun.

“We do everything from 20p toys up to branded Lego or remote control cars.

“We are taking it for six months until Christmas, and if it works we will stay for a longer time, which is what we have done for each of our shops so far.”

Mark added that they were sad to see Goodacres cease trading in April after spending decades in the Carfax, and that he believes there is room for Toy Barnhaus to co-exist alongside fellow toy shop The Entertainer in Horsham.

He said: “Horsham is always one we were looking at. We knew the guys at Goodacres, and it was such a shame to see it go.

“We always felt there was a place for us and The Entertainer, like there is in Crawley, and it is good to give people a choice - we do things slightly differently.

“It is an independent shop - we are local guys and we know the area very well.”

Gill Buchanan, Swan Walk Centre Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Toy Barnhaus to Swan Walk and know that our customers will really value the arrival of this independent toy brand to Horsham.

“This new store opening on August 1 follows hot on the heels of the new All That Glitters store which opened last week.”