How the secretive Smyths turned a Mayo shop into a global toy titan
By A Mystery Man Writer
Description
It might be hard to imagine for any parent dragged around the colourful and cavernous aisles of Smyths this Christmas, but the toy chain began life as a newsagent’s sideline.
![How the secretive Smyths turned a Mayo shop into a global toy titan](https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/-zckVijK9zQdI_aV18oWvX6v_Fw=/1x0:4974x2743/633x475/prod-mh-ireland/599b7e02-d156-11ed-9f01-0210609a3fe2.jpg)
Tallies constituency-by-constituency: Indications of a strong Yes vote in marriage referendum
![How the secretive Smyths turned a Mayo shop into a global toy titan](https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/7VTdv208ifJ4fHxZTXM3IdVuBy8=/0x67:300x232/1280x853/prod-mh-ireland/6d2078fe-be4d-11ed-99f1-0210609a3fe2.jpg)
Wenger makes Wilshere admission
AIB cashless plan took no account of its customers
![How the secretive Smyths turned a Mayo shop into a global toy titan](https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/_UlUYrytxhc_yFFCWtUa7L_KhWQ=/0x0:1500x827/1280x853/prod-mh-ireland/2a6c814c-c1f4-11ed-979a-0210609a3fe2.jpg)
Fantastic Faugheen powers to Stayers Hurdle glory as Willie Mullins enjoys another memorable day at Punchestown
Shares dip in calm after storm
Domino's serves up 715 new Irish jobs
Security firm to add 85 jobs in bid for global expansion
WATCH: 'Homeless hydration' - The difficult reality of life on the streets of Dublin during the heatwave
Bringing the light to shine upon a dark condition
![How the secretive Smyths turned a Mayo shop into a global toy titan](https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/Yfn3DsNzzBEg_ZQkqiM09VmvBsY=/960x640/smart/prod-mh-ireland/dd05c752-c3aa-11ed-aa37-0210609a3fe2.jpg)
Ask Adrian: Our technology editor tackles your trickiest tech problems
Island paradise
![How the secretive Smyths turned a Mayo shop into a global toy titan](https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/5OsQWnAZRlJmlzj4l9greTlYcm0=/2x0:2495x1662/2493x1662/prod-mh-ireland/f70f6504-c56c-11ed-ada5-0210609a3fe2.jpg)
Technology jobs boost as flurry of moves sees 270 new roles
What it says in the papers: business pages
from
per adult (price varies by group size)