kids encyclopedia robot

Robert Dyas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Robert Dyas
Private limited company
Industry Retail
Founded London, England
(1872; 153 years ago (1872))
Founder Robert Dyas
Headquarters Wimbledon, London, England
Number of locations
93
Area served
England (mainly southeast)
Key people
Andrew Hart (Chief Operating Officer)
Products Homeware, DIY, small domestic appliances, consumer electronics, gardening, ironmongers
Revenue Increase£124 million (2017/18)
Owner Theo Paphitis
Number of employees
1,300 (Dec 2013)

Robert Dyas is a well-known shop in the UK. It sells many things for your home and garden. You can find tools, kitchen items, and electrical gadgets there. The first shop opened in London way back in 1872. Today, Robert Dyas has many stores, mostly in southern England. They also have a popular online shop. A famous businessman named Theo Paphitis owns the company. He is known from the TV show Dragons' Den.

The Story of Robert Dyas

How the Company Started

Robert Dyas came to England from Ireland. He started his first shop in London in 1872. He began with only £5. By the time he passed away at 66, he had opened 18 shops. His sons and grandsons continued to run the business for many years.

Surviving Big Challenges

Robert Dyas shops have survived many tough times. This includes the Great Depression. They also survived the Blitz during World War II. During the Blitz, their main office, warehouse, and 18 shops were destroyed. In 1997, their head office and warehouse in Croydon burned down. The main office is now in Wimbledon, London.

Changes in Ownership

In 2004, a company called Change Capital Partners bought Robert Dyas. This was a private equity firm. A private equity firm invests in companies to help them grow. By 2009, the company faced financial difficulties. It was then largely owned by banks. In 2012, the company was put up for sale. Theo Paphitis, a well-known entrepreneur, bought Robert Dyas in July 2012.

Shops and What They Sell

Where to Find Robert Dyas Shops

Robert Dyas currently has 93 shops. Most of these shops are in London and the southeast of England. However, you can also find them in places like Bristol and Solihull. The shops come in different sizes. Some are quite large, while others are smaller.

Shopping Experience and Products

Since 2013, many Robert Dyas shops have added electronic displays. These screens show videos about products. Some shops also have screens in their windows. Shop teams use tablets to help customers. This makes shopping easier and more fun.

The shops sell many useful items for your home. You can find things for your kitchen, like appliances and cleaning products. They also sell tools and materials for light DIY projects. If you like gardening, they have garden care items and outdoor furniture. Robert Dyas also offers special gifts during holidays.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Robert Dyas para niños

kids search engine
Robert Dyas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.