A Dream Come True

Once upon a time…

In 1988 Brenda Barnes decided to open the first Peggity’s Toy store in Sea Point, Cape Town named after her favourite rag doll she had owned as a child called “Clara Peggotty”, a character in the famous novel by Charles Dickens – David Copperfield.

In 1996 the Peggity’s store moved to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, where it has since become an institution for locals and a popular destination for tourists. Over the years we have welcomed a number of who’s who of international celebrities including Michael Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Katie Holmes, Nicholas Cage, Victoria Beckham and top SA rugby and cricket players Graeme Smith, Jonty Rhodes and Bob Skinstad.

In 2005 a decision was made to have the store take on more of a theatrical look, incorporating some themes into the shopping experience and so a new look Peggity’s – “your toy kingdom” was unveiled with the idea of opening further larger concept stores in the future. It was clear that there was a gap for toy stores that offered more – toy stores that excited customers, that provided a magical experience, a fun environment, where product demonstrations brought toys to life. 

For children, it would be a treasure trove waiting to be discovered, a fantasy land of kings & queens, knights & maidens, pirates & dragons, fairies & gnomes. In 2006 an opportunity arose to open an emporium store in the V&A waterfront and in 2007 the first Toy Kingdom store came to life.Toy Kingdom is Africa’s most loved toy store. Our stores aren’t merely retailers, each is a fantasy wonderland which is home to princes and princesses, noble knights and beautiful maidens, fashion dolls and toy soldiers, fairies and gnomes, adventure-seeking explorers and humble.

We acquired the Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchise for South Africa in 2016, and have opened 17 Workshops within selected Toy Kingdom stores, adding even more fun and heart to the Toy Kingdom brand.  

Each store is unique but they were all conjured up by the same dreamer, so you’ll always feel right at home regardless of which store you visit. Girls and boys of all ages can spend hours strolling down Lego lane, peeking into Barbie House, visiting Princess Place, browsing Soldier Street or simply just getting lost in our fantasyland. 

In select stores, you’ll also be able to spend some time under the Magic Tree playing with some demo products, take a spin on the Giant Slide, or find a ride in the Parking Garage.

We pride ourselves on our dedication to customers and our unwavering commitment to service, and together with our unparalleled selection of toys and unique in-store experiences, it’s not hard to see why we’re Africa’s most loved toy store.

You never stop loving toys, the toys you love just change.