Come Play in West Thurrock (ToysRUs)

Member Name: redfox26

Product:	ToysRUs
Date:	05/11/08 (299 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Toys, Toys and more toys

Disadvantages: Lots of car parking, but not enough disabled and child spaces.

Whilst out shopping the other day, I made a last minute dash to toy's r us store At Lakeside Thurrock Retail Park. When I arrived the manager was closing the doors, as it was a bit late. But to my surprise instead of saying "sorry we are closed" he let me into the store to find the Spiderman toy and puzzle I was looking for. Even though they did have a good range of Spiderman toys, they still didn't have the one that I wanted.

So I asked a member of staff about the range, and they suggested the best alternative instead of the product I was looking for. I was even more surprised when the member of staff told me the best place I could buy the figure I wanted (even though it wasn't a toys r us store). I thought the first thing that they might of done was to suggest that I order it offline or recommend another of their stores but no they said that I might be able to grab on from Argos in the main shopping area.

Even though the lakeside store is not my nearest store, I like to shop there as it bright and cheerful store and the staff are friendly enough even if a bit rare. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't stand shopping in a gloomy stores with poor lighting; also it offers a good variety of indoor and outdoor toys, from play dough to play houses.

*** The Store ***

One of the main things that draw me to Toys r us, is the fact that unlike Argos you can actually have a good look and feel of what you are buying, where as with Argos you mainly get to see the item through the glossy paged catalogue, unless they the item you want on their small displays. ... With the chances of the said item on display being the one you want extremely rare indeed.

The Lakeside store also has a Babies r us, in the far left hand corner of the shop. I have brought prams, cars seats and other baby products like. ... Bottles, dummies, bed cloths, clothing, high chairs and baby walkers. They do sell cots and bedding but I have never bought them for Toys r us personally. But I can say that all the items that I have bought have all worked and been very reliable.

Like with many other Toys r us stores, I found that this one is set out well, with all the boy's toys Together, the girls in another section, and all of your computer games and consoles in the same place. So if I happen to be shopping for my daughter's birthday I can go in to one section and find most of what I need, instead of having to walk around for ages frantically searching or having a screaming match with the other half and kids.

The isles are quite wide at Lakeside, which is great unless it happens to be a Saturday or Christmas time, then they end up jam packed making it hard to squeeze a buggy down.
But that can only be expected for busy times.

I have found that this store has a few faults though, which I have noticed at busy times also.

The first one being staff. Now I know I said they were very helpful earlier in the review, but like I mentioned the store was about to close. But at their most busy times like weekends I find it hard to find a member of staff, when needed.

This leads to the second problem I'm not so sure if this is due to the lack of staffing but there only ever seems to be 2 checkouts open at any one given time, personally I find this a little frustrating more so when I have the kids with me.

Basically I think they need more staff at peak times.

If you do happen to get stuck in a line that resembles something belonging in a theme park, not to worry as they do have toilets and baby changing facilities. So if you or one of the kids gets caught short, the loo isn't to far away just being through the double doors next to the collection point at the checkouts.

*** Notice's***

I also noticed a sign in the window of the store, which I haven't seen in other stores. The sign say's you can't take any other bags in the store. Okay I can see this makes a lot of sense due to thieves, but I do feel it is a bit unfair for those who don't drive and have nowhere to store other purchases. Saying that though I have been in with other bags before and a member of staff has never approached me, so I am not sure if this is a new thing or I just have never noticed the sign before.

*** Benefits ***

Like I said before shopping in store does have it's benefits, you can look at and feel the toys for durability, but there is one thing that I love about Toys R Us an that is the bike section as you can actually get the bikes and scooters of the stands and test them out, which is great if your not sure if it is a 14 or 16 inch wheel you want for your little one or if you think the handles on the scooter will be to high.

Toys R Us have been giving this option to their customers for years, I can even remember as a child going round and testing out the toys whilst my parents shopped and have to admit even now I have a quick go on the pogo sticks and a bit of a mess around with the kids if it's not busy. Not that I would do this in any other store, as most stores like there stock to remain on the shelves and racking.

*** Other Stuff ***

Due to this store being in a retail park, there is lots of parking, but not many disabled or child parking spaces.

Refunds are available, if you have a receipt.

*** Overall ***

Overall I think Toys R Us is great as they have a very good range of toys, which are up to date and fashionable. The Lakeside store is also clean, bright and well stocked with toilet facilities for public use.

So yes I would recommend this store, as you are able to see what you're buying (even if you pop in to research an item, before heading to a cheaper store or shopping online).

4 out of 5 stars. If they get more staff this Christmas, you never know I might just pop back and give them another.


*** STORE ADDRESS ***

Thurrock
At Junction 31 of M25 near Lakeside Shopping Centre
Unit 1B, Lakeside Trading Estate, Water Front,
West Thurrock, Grays,
Essex.
RM20 1WN

This store is easy to get to, but can be a "pain in the rear" due to traffic on the M25, the A13, The QE2 Bridge. (Dartford crossing) and the general busy lakeside traffic.

*** OPENING TIMES ***

Monday - Thursday - 9am 'til 8pm
Friday - 9am 'til 9pm
Saturday - 9am 'til 7pm
Sunday - 11am 'til 5pm

Aslo posted on Ciao under same username x

Summary: Every kids dream ... could be every adults nightmare!