The Entertainer Toy Shop

[HappyStudent]

Hi everyone/anyone, I really sorry to bother but I am just a student asking a question for my small research I am doing about the Entertainer toy shop which I'am sure you have all heard of.

My question is: Did you know that The Entertainer toy shop follows strict Christian values?
If so, do you think their values are outdated on the high street?

Any answer would be greatly appreciated and confidentiality is guaranteed. No usernames will be referred to for confidentiality reasons, just the answers :)

Thankyou, and I hope everybody is having a lovely day :)

[CraftyGin]

Yes, I know that they practice Christian values. These values are as important now as ever.

[ladygracie]

I knew that they close on Sundays and had assumed it was for religious reasons.
I don’t know if their values are outdated - they are definitely unique in it though I think.

[woodhill]

Yes I knew this and no not outdated, good on them.

[Notreallyhere2]

I knew they didn’t open sundays because of religious reasons.

They can do what they like with their business though can’t they. As far as I know they’re not pushing religious beliefs on customers, I’m not sure if there are any extra implications for staff though?

[superram]

No, I didn’t. They open on Sunday so not that Christian. Why outdated-plenty of Christians around. Not sure how such a broad question is actually research.

[Theunreasonableone]

I only found this out very recently and was actually pleasantly surprised at the reason why it’s never open on a Sunday. To me it shows that the CEO values staff and morality/religion over profit - refreshing in society today!

[katmunchkin]

No I didn't know that they practised Christian values, but that makes sense as I always thought it was odd that in this day and age they didn't open on Sunday. But now I know why, I admire them for sticking by them.

[MyDcAreMarvel]

Yes and definitely not.

[Acopyofacopy]

I wish more shops would follow their example and shut on Sundays.

[ItsHardToExplain]

There’s a sign up in our local one that states they are closed on Sundays so staff can have time with their families. So I like that 😊

[Orchidflower1]

What’s your research op?

[HollySwift]

Yes I did, and quite the opposite. I choose to give them more custom as I thoroughly believe all shops should operate the same way.

[11yrgap]

I didn't know that's why they close on Sunday,just thought they were good to their staff. I think it's really good. I used to work in an independent business owned by a Catholic family and they never opened on Sunday either. They would have probably been very busy on a Sunday but they stuck to it.

[mnahmnah]

I did and I respect them more for it. I’m not religious myself.

[HappyStudent]

Thankyou all for your amazing responses!

I also think its excellent that you all applaud them for sticking to their values :) Nice to see.

My research is regarding whether they struggle not opening on sundays but it would appear they are praised for this! :)

[CelebratingMyOwnSelf]

Incredible, lovely to see that not all businesses care just about making money.
I went in at Christmas time for the first time and I was impressed with their selection and price brackets too.
I will absolutely be giving them my business in 2019.
This has made me happy to hear this.

[WarIsPeace]

Atheist here. I quite like it as a shop, always had friendly service and plenty of choice. I'm not bothered about the religion side its their choice to run their business as they wish

[Zampa]

I would be interested to know if they pay the living wage. To me, that would be following Christian values.

I'm an atheist myself but always appreciate their nativity display. That, after all, is what Christmas is about.

[AliMonkey]

Yes I knew and definitely don't think they are outdated. I think it's great that they don't just talk about being run by Christians but reflect it, eg nativity displays, not selling Halloween related things, contributing 10% of profits to charity, not opening Sundays. None of those in theory should contribute to their profits yet they continue to be successful whilst other toy shops have folded and I genuinely believe that it is because they stick to their Christian values.

But then maybe I'm biased because (a) I'm a Christian and (b) I used to regularly go into their first shop when I was a child so have a soft spot for them.

[thenextsmallthing]

The one in the shopping centre in Milton Keynes closed down a few years ago not due to lack of business but the fact the mall owners wouldn't renew their lease if they didn't open on Sunday's.

[MrsFogi]

I think it's great that they have strong principles and follow them through by closing on a Sunday.

[Toffeeandyawns]

No I had no idea, and I’m also pleased to hear they’re sticking to their values. I actually only went into a shop for the first time about a week ago.

[Muddlingalongalone]

Yes I knew this. There was a bbc2 programme about them.
Sticking to your beliefs is an admirable principle, but ultimately they do lose out on a fair bit of my business by not being open on 50% of my shopping days. If I need a kids party present I'll pop into Argos or the works instead.

[TeacupDrama]

yes they never open on sundays even in 2017 when Sunday was Christmas eve /www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/22/the-entertainer-tough-year-ruin-toy-chains-christmas-gary-grant
they shut on Sundays but they are still operating unlike Toys'r'us which closed
also they don't sell toys to do with the occult and I don't think they do gruesome halloween stuff
There is nothing religious in the actual shop they just live by their principles not forcing them on others