The Entertainer’s Founders Pass the Torch: Staff to Become New Owners
In a landmark move for UK retail, the founders of The Entertainer, the country’s largest toy shop chain, are handing over full ownership to their employees. This means nearly 2,000 staff members will soon share in the success of the beloved high street favourite.
Gary Grant, who opened the first store with his wife Catherine back in 1981, has transferred his entire stake in Teal Group Holdings, owner of The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre, and Addo Play, to an employee ownership trust. The change is expected to be finalised by September.
For decades, the Grant family has nurtured the business into a nationwide brand boasting 160 stores. Now, their workers will not only benefit from tax-free bonuses tied to company profits but also gain a say in the firm’s future direction.
The latest figures show the group made a pre-tax profit of £6.6 million in the year ending January 2024. As part-owners, employees will be able to influence key decisions through a new Colleague Advisory Board, which will be represented on the Trust Board overseeing the business.
Reflecting on this major step, Gary Grant said: “This is a significant decision for the family. When Catherine and I opened our first store in Amersham, we could never have imagined how far we’d come.”
He continued, “Our family has poured its heart and soul into the business over 44 years. It’s truly a family affair, with our children involved and our eldest sons having worked alongside us for two decades.”
“This transfer feels like the right time,” Grant added. “We want to thank all our employees, who’ve been instrumental in making The Entertainer what it is today.”
He emphasised the company’s founding values: “From the start, we aimed to focus on children and community—creating memories, sparking wonder, and delivering outstanding service.”
Gary Grant praised the team for keeping this spirit alive, “Many staff have been with us for years and their passion is the backbone of the business.”
He concluded, “Ensuring our employees have a stake in the future means everything to us. The business is in safe hands with Andrew Murphy and his team leading the way.”
While profits remain strong, the group’s turnover slipped slightly to £238.2 million last year, and staff numbers dropped from 2,068 to just under 2,000.
Andrew Murphy, CEO of the group, welcomed the new ownership structure. “The Grant family have built an incredible British success story with a commitment to community values.”
Since joining in 2023, Murphy said he’s been proud to lead a talented team pushing forward the “play to win” growth strategy. “This new model will deepen our connection as a business and give employees a real voice and stake in what’s ahead.”
The Entertainer joins other iconic UK firms like John Lewis and Go Ape in embracing employee ownership, a growing trend seen as a way to safeguard jobs and strengthen local communities.
James de la Vingne, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association, praised the move: “It’s fantastic to see a major high street brand take this bold step. Employee ownership is key to revitalising the high street and securing long-term success.”
He added, “Businesses like The Entertainer show how shared ownership can build resilient companies that truly value their people.”
The transition at The Entertainer marks a new chapter for the toy retailer, one where its workforce can truly call the shots and share in the rewards.
