About Early Learning Centre

About company

The Early Learning Centre was founded in 1974 originally as a mail-order business offering toys and books with educational content. The first ELC retail store opened in Reading later the same year. In 1985, ELC was acquired by John Menzies plc who continued to expand the estate and ELC became a well-known high street brand. In September 2001, ELC was the subject of a management buyout, during which ELC streamlined its operations, exited non-profitable product categories and stores and grew its sourcing operation in Asia.