M&S is launching products from the FAO Schwarz brand in its stores in time for Christmas with M&S Thurrock being among them.

The Thurrock store is one of 20 across the country that will stock around 50 bestselling products, including toy racing cars, music mats, craft kits and adorable plush toys.

It comes during the busiest festive shopping month with around half of M&S customers expecting to finish their gift purchasing by the end of November.

The M&S store openings are the first time the heritage toy brand has been available on local UK High Streets and they will be trialled next to the M&S gift shops and located within M&S Kids product areas.

Neil Harrison, Director of Brands at M&S said, “Our brands strategy is all about giving customers even more reasons to shop with M&S – and that includes being more relevant, more often throughout the important festive season.

Thurrock Gazette: An FAO Schwarz outlet in Selfridges' flagship London store (PA)An FAO Schwarz outlet in Selfridges' flagship London store (PA)

"At Christmas we want M&S to be the place customers turn to for great value stylish clothing, quality food and importantly special & different gifting – and a leading toy brand such as FAO Schwarz supports that mission, bringing a little extra magic to the M&S offer.

"Through M&S.com and our 20 UK locations customers can shop an exciting range of FAO’s best toys and we can’t wait to hear their feedback.”

Mark Handley, CEO Redlands Distribution, exclusive distributor of FAO Schwarz in the UK, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with M&S this festive season and excited to see the iconic FAO Schwarz toy brand come to life in their stores.

"With so many wonderful, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind toys to inspire M&S customers, it is certainly going to be a magical time to shop for special gifts for children this Christmas.”

Which M&S stores in the UK will have FAO Schwarz toys this Christmas?

  • Argyle Street
  • Banbury Gateway 
  • Bluewater
  • Cardiff
  • Cheshire Oaks
  • Cheltenham 
  • Leeds
  • Liverpool
  • Longbridge 
  • Merryhill
  • Metro 
  • Newcastle
  • Plymouth
  • Pudsey
  • Southampton West Quays
  • Stratford 
  • Thurrock
  • Watford
  • White City
  • Wolstanton Stoke