A toy store is welcoming back children through its doors after lockdown and celebrating with an exciting giveaway.

The first 10 customers at Hamleys in Bluewater on Monday will receive a goody bag as the centre prepares to reopen with an entry and one-way system in place.

The team has been busy preparing the store to be Covid safe for the reopening of retail and outdoor hospitality venues under the government's roadmap on April 12.

The famous bubble guns will be loaded and flying toys charged up to float around the store.

In addition to the toy giveaway for the first customers, holders of a Blue Light Card – NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces – will be able to enter for a special behind the scenes tour and shopping experience with the Hamley Bear.

Store manager Natasha Kent said the staff had been working hard to ensure the magic and fun of the store is not lost among the rigorous Covid guidelines it will be following.

“To say we are excited is an understatement," she said. "We can’t wait to see everyone. It’s time for kids of all ages to be kids again – and there’s no better place to rediscover the magic than Hamleys. Let's do this."

The store will be stocked with kids' favourite toys including Lego, Harry Potter magic sets, Peppa Pig and Barbie and loads more.

It is open from 10am weekdays.

The toy shop brand is not the only retailer offering their first customers with prizes.

Gifts and gadget store Menkind is running a competition to win a £500 gadget bundle with one winner announced per store at the brand's upper and lower stores in Bluewater.

The shop is also launching a 'welcome back sale' on a host of items across the shop.

The company says it is following safety measures in line with government recommendations to ensure a safe return to in-store shopping including hand sanitiser, compulsory face masks and a path around the store to maintain social distance.

Fred Prego, director of marketing and e-commerce at Menkind, said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome everyone back to our Kent Bluewater stores. We’re marking the much-anticipated return to in-store shopping with a ‘Welcome Back’ sale, so customers can enjoy our fun gifting options at a discounted price.

"We are also hosting a fun competition open to visitors in every store, with no purchase required to enter – one lucky visitor will win an amazing £500 gadget bundle so that everyone can celebrate the reopenings with us.”

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