The Discovery Store (also known as Must Have It) was a British high-street chain of stores, predominantly selling novelty gadgets, toys and lighting products. It was best known for being led by Phones 4u founder John Caudwell (as part of The Caudwell Group) from 2001 to 2005.
History
The business was formed by Barry and Geraldine Ricketts with Alan Mitchell as part of the family-owned Raysun Group Plc in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in 1991, and by the early 2000s had expanded operations across the United Kingdom. In 2001, the Raysun Group placed The Discovery Store's 31 outlets into administration with KPMG.[1]
Later on in 2001, The Discovery Store was bought out of administration for around £30 million by The Caudwell Group, best known for its ownership of Phones 4u. John Caudwell claimed "I am committed to making [the chain] the number one for boys' toys and gadgets in the UK", as well as citing ideas for flagship stores in major city locations.[2] Whilst these large plans would never materialise, the chain would increase by 21 outlets, expanding its size to 52 stores, as well as an increased online presence.