British electronic toy retailer
The Gadget Shop![]() |
| Company type | Retail chain |
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| Industry | Gadget shop |
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| Founded | 1991 |
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| Defunct | 2005 |
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| Headquarters | East Yorkshire |
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Key people | Jonathan Elvidge (founder) |
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| Products | Gadgets, toys, lighting |
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| Owner | WHSmith |
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The Gadget Shop (stylised gadgetshop) was a national British high-street chain of stores, predominantly selling gadgets, toys and lighting products, founded by Jonathan Elvidge in 1991.[1] At its height, it was one of the leading UK novelty gadget retailers. The chain went into administration in 2005, and subsequently closed. Its assets have previously been owned by The Entertainer, and are currently owned by WHSmith.[2]
History
Jonathan Elvidge founded the chain in 1991. The ideology behind the chain was that its target market would be a retail experience for teenagers and young adults, offering the sale of DVD players, audio and computer equipment, alongside novelty toys.[3]
At its height, it had 45 branches across the UK, and employed around 700 people.[4]
The chain collapsed into administration in April 2005, and closed. The closure came a month after rival gadget retailer, Must Have It (formerly The Discovery Store), collapsed following difficult Christmas trading, mainly due to various department and toy stores entering the gadget market.[3] Its closure was due to a lack of agreement among owners.
Legacy
Since 2010, the current owner of the brand, retailer WHSmith, has used 'Gadget Shop' branding on some of its products.[5]
From 2015, WHSmith Australia used the 'Gadget Shop' trademark for small outlets at Brisbane Airport and Perth Airport which sold phone chargers and travel accessories.[6] These closed in the early 2020s.[7]
References
