ZODIAC TOYS

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Zodiac Toys, a division of Maynards Confectionery was founded in the late 1960s

In the mid 1960's Maynards was becoming increasingly concerned about its dependence on the static confectionery market. With the help of consultants, it was decided that diversification was the answer and the toy market seemed ripe for exploitation. Maynards already had a few toy and pram shops in the London area and in 1969 these were converted to self service toy shops with a range of 800 to 1000 keenly priced items.

The success of this was almost entirely due to Brian Richman, who Maynards had recruited to take control of the Zodiac division. He had previously been with BHS and M&S in senior manager positions and was well acquaintied with multiple retail operations.

The concept was new and successful and by 1977 there were 39 shops producing annual sales of £4.5 milloion. At this time there was a change of senior management. Managing Director Brian Richman left to take a senior position with Debenhams. Into his shoes stepped Bryan Ellis, who had previously been with Hestair, and who dealt with Zodiac's warehousing and distribution following the acquisition of I Angel Ltd. He was to initiate the changes which were to make Zodiac the UK's leading toy supermarket. More stores were opened and they grew in size. By 1984 there were 73 branches and sales totalled £23 million. 10 more stores were added in the next 2 years but then Maynards became the takeover target of Ward White who owned Halfords and Focus Shoes.

Ward White believed that the application of its retailing expertise in the cycle and automobile aftermarket would significantly improve the fortunes of the Zodiac chain. They were mistaken and disposed of the chain after only 2 years. It was purchased by a company led by Russell King, an entrepreneur with an extravagant lifestyle and a liking for fast cars. Matters went from bad to worse and the chain folded in 1989/90. Mr King was later found guilty of an insurance fraud concerning his £600,000 Aston Martin. He served a  two year prison sentence.

Updated: October 2009 

This site was created by Roger Jones, an employee of Zodiac Toys from 1972 to 1986. Joining from a management career with Woolworth, he was Zodiac's area controller in the Midlands, progressing to Regional Manager and then Retail Operations Director in 1980 reporting to Bryan Ellis and the Maynards board. Much of the information on this site comes from Roger's own records and photos, and from copies of Maynards Newsletters and annual reports. 

In due course this website will be expanded to include profiles of those who were involved with Zodiac in the years between 1969 and 1989. This website will evolve over time. Contributions are welcome and can be sent to Roger Jones at ziksby@gmail.com.

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