THE childhood icon that was Toys 'R' Us has sent fans into a frenzy after it appeared to provide an update on its UK return.
The once-popular toy shop giant disappeared from the high streets after collapsing into administration back in 2018.
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At the time, all stores - including several in the North East - were permanently closed to the huge disappointment of children and families.
Following its departure from the UK, the brand continued to operate abroad in countries including the US and Australia.
Read more: Could Toys 'R' Us reopen these North East stores as it confirms big UK comeback
But towards the end of last year, it confirmed it would be making a big comeback in what it described would be a "significant milestone" for the company.
And now, the Toys 'R' Us website has appeared to have been updated to reflect a "UK announcement," prompting large-scale excitement.
In a statement on the apparent website, it says: "We can't wait to see you again - we're back in 2022."
It then goes onto say that it has already seen almost 8,000 subscribers sign up to be the first in the know ahead of its UK relaunch.
On social media, hundreds have been sharing their excitement at the update and apparent confirmation that Toys 'R' Us is in fact making a return this year.
One person said: "Was the best toy shop I ever went to as a kid and even being 29, I can't wait for it to reopen."
Another said: "I hope this is true, a whole generation of kids has missed out on the magic of walking into a huge Toys 'R' Us."
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Last October, the company said it had been able to "scale" quickly abroad as customers returned to the "much-loved" brand.
Dr Louis Mittoni, chief executive officer and managing director of the firm, said: "Tailoring our successful Australian relaunch plan to the UK echoes the success of other e-commerce 'platform play' businesses that have delivered growth and value due to their ability to quickly and cost effectively expand their software, processes, partner relationships and brands into new countries.
"Since Toys"R"Us' return to Australia in June 2019, we have scaled quickly as customers returned to the much-loved brand and our e-commerce model has proven its success.
"My team and I are looking forward to developing technical and commercial relationships with UK-based vendors and partners and to engage with the many loyal Toys 'R' Us former customers and fans in the UK."
It is not yet known whether the retailer will reopen any physical stores in the North East, although some have remained vacant since its collapse in 2018.
Those include the large warehouse style shops such as the Metro Retail Park and Teesside Park.
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