SMYTHS TOYS, a leading toy and leisure retailer founded in Ireland in 1986, is continuing to expand in France. The company has taken a lease on almost 43,000 m² of space in a state-of-the-art logistics warehouse in Saint-Georges-D'Espéranche in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This strategic transaction was completed in record time during the summer, thanks to the support of EOL, a specialist logistics consultancy.EOL, a firm specialising in logistics property, and the responsiveness of the platform's institutional owner, AXA IM.
"Thanks to a great synergy, this deal was completed in just a few weeks and we were able to find the ideal site to support SMYTHS TOYS' growth.said Jean-François Mounic, Managing Director of EOL.
In 2018, SMYTHS TOYS acquired the Toys'R'Us shops in several European countries, and in 2022 it took over the network of shops of the French chain PicWicToys. The family business has been growing steadily for several years, and this new warehouse will optimise distribution flows in the southern half of France.
The warehouse is located in Saint-Georges-d'Espéranche, 38km from Lyon. The town is strategically placed for transport and logistics, with its proximity to L'Isle-d'Abeau, one of France's largest logistics areas, excellent road links and a network of key players in transport and distribution.
This transaction demonstrates the determination of all parties to be responsive and to make every effort to meet SMYTHS TOYS' strategy as effectively as possible.
SMYTHS TOYS was assisted by: EOL, leasing advisor. AXA IM, lessor.
About EOL:
With over 25 years' experience, EOL is one of the leaders in real estate for logistics, industry and commerce.
EOL specialises in 3 areas: transactions, investment advice and project management assistance.
EOL has 10 offices at the heart of regional markets: Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rennes, Lille, Rouen, Orléans and Strasbourg.
About SMYTHS TOYS:
Smyths Toys has a nationwide presence in France, with a network of 52 shops.
Its toys and childcare articles are also available on its website: https://www.smythstoys.com.
The brand offers a vast selection of toys and games for all ages, including popular brands and exclusive products, as well as a wide range of childcare products.
About AXA :
AXA Investment Managers is the asset management company formerly affiliated with the AXA Group, which became part of the BNP Group in July 2025. |
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