Gap Finders: The Entertainer founder Gary Grant
Gary Grant started with one toy shop in 1981 age 23. It's now the UK's largest independent toy chain.
Gary Grant opened his first toy shop at the age of 23. By his own admission he knew nothing about selling toys - but he must have had a thing for retail. Four decades later The Entertainer is the UK's largest independent toy chain, with 165 high street stores in the UK and 30 others around the world. The business has weathered the storm of the financial crash, high street decline, a pandemic and the shift to online. Central to Gary's approach is his Christian faith, which mean the shops don't sell any toys with links to the supernatural and they don't open on Sundays. It's an approach to running a business that some have questioned, but the company has stood firm. Recently, having spotted an opportunity to expand into concessions in big retailers and supermarkets, we find out what the future holds for the brand and how Gary feels about stepping back from the front line of the business he started all those years ago.
PRESENTER: WINIFRED ROBINSON
PRODUCER: CATHERINE EARLAM