Note: This is in an alternate universe

We’ve loved being in this spot as part of the wonderful Glasgow community

Unfortunately, This shop is now closed, The realities of retail in the shopping landscape has made this decision unavoidable, We want to take the opportunity to thank you for shopping with us for so many years, You can find all about KikoRiki and its related online MMO RolyPolyLand at riki.com

Goodbye forever…

This sign was posted to the doors of Riki, a children’s shop in Glasgow on Wednesday

The image ends with a poignant “Goodbye forever…” above a image of a crying Krash the Rabbit

The store closed on Wedensday after 12 years trading at Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow

The shop sold merchandise related to the animated series KikoRiki, The cartoon is a Russian cartoon about circular colorful animals and their fun adventures, The Riki shop opened in 1995 was originally Golden Adventures and was a general toy shop akin to Toys R Us but in 2003 became Riki and became focused on the then new surge in KikoRiki popularity in Scotland, However in June 2007, the store closed for the last time, Riki Group’s reasoning was the “realities of retail” was unavoidable, The shop was also closed so Riki could focus on business in it’s native Russia and develop more exciting new animated series or movies


Hidden Glasgow - Goodbye Riki

Joeye posted on 23 June 2007
It’s the end of an era, Even bigger than the end of Evangelion, or even Christopher Eccleston leaving Doctor Who, The famous Riki store has gone, After about 12 years of selling toys and 4 years of its golden age of KikoRiki merchandise the store has unfortunately vanished, in its place is a rather upsetting image of Krash crying, It pains my heart to see the poor guy like this, Apparently “the realities of retail in the shopping landscape have made this change unavoidable” Whats most striking is “Goodbye forever…” written in a melancholic font, and the most striking part is that it’s showing Krash crying. My kids will miss the shop dearly.

Johnstone posted on 23 June 2007
It’s a very sad state of affairs that Riki has ceased to exist. A good shop, Now we will have to trek to Toys R Us, And that’s literally at the Fort Shopping Centre near the Barrowland Ballroom.

Harry replied on 23 June 2007
They should have kept it open, I am a fan of that show, Hopefully they find something good to take over the space, It will most likely be another Greggs, because it’s not like we’ve had enough of THOSE, right?

Chingling replied on 24 June 2007
I went past Sauchiehall Street today, I noticed M&S has a sign saying “Our dearest condolences to staff of Riki”, I also saw the Riki closure notice, How sad it all is, Here is an image “ByeRiki.png” Someone cheer poor Krash up, he’s had a rough day, I want to hug the little furball, Incidentally Toys R Us in St Enoch centre are now selling toys of the show, so maybe Riki worked something out with Toys R Us, Anyways, this is the grief of losing Odeon at Renfied Street back in January last year all over again.

Anonymous said on 24 June 2007

Gutted, that this wonderful shop has closed, I know the cartoon is still rerunning on Pop (and in Welsh on S4C, but we’re Scottish so who cares) but it’s never gonna be the same, The novelty of a Russian cartoon being popular in Scotland was awesome, Hopefully they do something worth while with the space.


Henry commented on 01 July 2007

I was recently allowed in to see it one final time and it really is sad, the statue of Chiko would once have kids lining up to take pictures with him, the toy zone was once filled, It is such a sad time for Glasgow.

Oscar Riddle commented on 01 July 2007

I know, We already lost the Odeon, then we lost Safeway to the whole Morrisons “rebrand”, Now we lost Riki. When will shops stop closing here in the UK. 

BadHairDay commented on 05 July 2007

Pop airing of KikoRiki have had an announcement targeted to Scottish viewers saying "Although you can no longer get merchandise of this show from the shop in Glasgow, you can now buy it online or at your local retailer", Pop have also pre-empted Squish, I Got A Rocket, Pokemon and Alvin & the Chipmunks in favour of a KikoRiki marathon this Summer, 
Write a follow up in 2013 where it has seen better days, the closure notice is decaying with grafitti, and there have been several plans to turn it into something else but it never came to fruition, although the poster cleaned the notice
Person A: Have you seen the old Riki shop lately? It’s really showing its age now.

Person B: Yeah, I walked past it the other day. It’s a shame to see it in such a state. The closure notice is all decayed and covered in graffiti.

Person A: I noticed that too. It’s sad to see something that was once so vibrant and full of life become forgotten and neglected.

Person B: I heard there have been several plans to turn it into something else, but none of them ever came to fruition. It’s a shame because it’s such a prime location.

Person A: Absolutely. It’s right in the heart of Glasgow, and it has so much potential. It’s a shame that no one has been able to bring it back to life.

Person B: I wonder why all those plans fell through. It seems like there’s a lack of interest in redeveloping the space.

Person A: Maybe it’s because the nostalgia of Riki is still lingering, and people are hesitant to replace it with something new.

Person B: That could very well be the case. Riki holds a special place in many people’s hearts, especially those who grew up with the cartoon.

Person A: Remember when the closure notice was cleaned up by someone? It was a small gesture, but it showed that there are still people who care about its memory.

Person B: Yeah, it was nice to see someone take the time to maintain a sense of respect for what Riki once represented.

Person A: Well, even though the shop may be worn down now, at least we can hold onto the memories and the joy it brought us during its heyday.

Person B: That’s true. Riki may be gone, but it will forever hold a special place in our hearts and in the memories of those who experienced its magic.

Person A: Let’s hope that one day someone will come along and revitalize the space, giving it a new lease on life while still paying tribute to the legacy of Riki.

Person B: Definitely. Until then, let’s remember the good times and the laughter that filled those walls. Riki may be gone, but its spirit lives on within us.

Person A: Cheers to that. Here’s to the unforgettable memories and the hope that one day the old Riki shop will once again be a place of joy and wonder.
Write a follow up where in 2019, the shop has begun to get gutted, as changes begin, the old statues of the characters have been sold to CHAS, as the kids there are big fans of the cartoon
Person A: Have you seen what’s happening to the old Riki shop? It looks like changes are finally starting.

Person B: Oh, really? I haven’t been by in a while. What’s going on?

Person A: They’ve started gutting the interior. I saw construction workers hauling out old shelves and displays. It’s a bit surreal to see the place being stripped down like that.

Person B: Wow, it’s hard to believe after all these years. But change is inevitable, I suppose.

Person A: The most significant development is that the old statues of the KikoRiki characters have been sold to CHAS.

Person B: CHAS? That’s the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, right?

Person A: That’s correct. The staff at CHAS knew how much the kids there loved the KikoRiki cartoon. It’s the perfect way to bring smiles to their faces.

Person B: That’s beautiful. I can imagine the excitement those children will feel, getting to spend time with those beloved characters.

Person A: I heard they’re planning a special unveiling event at one of the CHAS locations. The children will get to meet the characters firsthand. It’s going to be a heartwarming experience.

Person B: Oh, I would love to witness that. It must be incredibly touching to see the joy on those kids’ faces.

Person A: Definitely. It’s a silver lining in the midst of change. Even though the old Riki shop is being transformed, its legacy will continue to brighten the lives of others.

Person B: It’s a reminder that even though physical places may change or disappear, the impact they had on people’s lives can live on, in different ways.

Person A: Absolutely. Riki may have closed its doors, but the love and joy it brought to so many lives will continue to ripple out and touch others.

Person B: It’s bittersweet, but I’m glad the statues found a new home where they can continue to bring happiness.

Person A: Let’s keep an eye out for news about the unveiling event. I’m sure it will be a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Person B: Definitely. And let’s remember that as one chapter ends, another one begins. Who knows what beautiful things will come out of this transformation?

Person A: You’re right. Change can be challenging, but it can also open doors to new opportunities and experiences. Here’s to embracing the future while honoring the past.

Person B: Cheers to that. And here’s to the children at CHAS who will experience the magic of KikoRiki firsthand. May their smiles light up the world.

Person A: Have you seen what they’ve done to the old Riki shop? It’s been partially transformed into a convenience store!

Person B: Really? That’s unexpected. I wonder why only half of the shop has changed.

Person A: Well, half of the space now houses a convenience store, complete with aisles, refrigerators, and all the essentials you’d find in a typical shop.

Person B: That’s interesting. I guess they wanted to make use of the prime location but couldn’t fill the entire space.

Person A: Yeah, but what’s even more surprising is that the other half of the shop remains untouched. It’s still closed Riki, just as it was back in 2007.

Person B: Wait, you mean the closure notice is still there?

Person A: Exactly! The same closure notice with the melancholic font and the image of a crying Krash the Rabbit. It’s like a nostalgic time capsule of sorts.

Person B: That’s both eerie and sentimental. I wonder why they decided to keep it intact.

Person A: I can only speculate. Perhaps it’s a tribute to the history of the space, or maybe they couldn’t find a suitable replacement yet wanted to maintain the connection to Riki.

Person B: It’s certainly a unique blend, with a convenience store coexisting with the remnants of the beloved Riki shop.

Person A: And you know what’s even more surprising? The Riki logo is still up above the closed half. It’s like a small beacon of nostalgia in the midst of modern convenience.

Person B: That’s quite remarkable. It seems like the old Riki shop still has a hold on that space, despite its closure so many years ago.

Person A: It’s a testament to the impact Riki had on the community. Even as times change and businesses come and go, the memories and emotions it evoked remain alive.

Person B: It’s a unique combination of the past and the present, all within the walls of that shop. It’s interesting to think about the stories and connections that have been made there over the years.

Person A: Absolutely. Riki may no longer operate, but its presence still lingers, reminding us of the joy it brought and the community it created.

Person B: Let’s hope that someday the other half of the shop will find a new purpose, so that the Riki legacy can be passed on to a new generation.

Person A: Indeed. Until then, we can appreciate the blend of nostalgia and convenience that this space now represents. It’s a tribute to the past and a glimpse into the present.

Person B: Cheers to that. Here’s to the ongoing story of the old Riki shop and the memories it continues to hold. May its legacy continue to touch hearts, whether through convenience or cherished recollections. Write a forum conversation during Febuary 2022 where the convenience store closed permanently due to the cost of living crisis, and a "Glasgow is wonderful" board covered the entire shop, including the Riki end, The board features images of iconic Glasgow locations such as the Pavilion Theatre, Barrowland Ballroom and Buchannan Galleries, When the board was removed on 13th Febuary, all remnants of the convenience store is gone, but the Riki sign and closure notice are still intact, A member of thr Council allowed the user to see inside for 2 minutes and they have recreated the inside of the Riki shop, how it looked just after closing in 2007, leading to speculation it might reopen