The Entertainer toy shop chain has canceled plans to open two new stores following the government’s recent increase in National Insurance (NI) contributions for employers. The NI rate will rise from 13.8% to 15% next April, with the threshold for payments lowered, impacting companies’ financial decisions. Chief executive Andrew Murphy emphasized that while the government’s objectives may be valid, the changes forced them to freeze hiring and halt new store initiatives. The move is set to resonate across the retail sector, with other retailers like Sainsbury’s predicting significant cost increases that could lead to higher prices for consumers.