Opening just in time for Christmas, Hamleys Beijing is the UK toy retailer’s largest store internationally.

Founded in London in 1760 by William Hamley, the company has 127 branches worldwide including the new store in the Wangfujing shopping area of the Chinese capital.

Hamleys was acquired two years ago by Hong Kong-listed Chinese footwear retailer C.banner International Holdings for £100 million (US$153 million). A branch was opened in Nanjing last year and another in Xuzhou this year.

The Hamleys Beijing store launched in trial mode near the end of last month and has set this Saturday as its official opening date, complete with a grand parade in the store. With a floor space of 10,700sqm over five levels, it is double the size of Hamleys’ London flagship store.

Its first floor features a carousel on its first floor, while large areas are reserved on the second level for children’s classes and for playing.

Originally called Noah’s Ark, Hamleys sells toys ranging from rag dolls to tin soldiers, and iron hoops to rocking horses.