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Region's first new store 'for all things geeky' - 'likely to be in Bury St Edmunds', say company




A chain store which specialises in ‘all things geeky’ could be on its way to Bury St Edmunds.

The Geek Retreat, which specialises in comics, memorabilia, clothing, figures and table top games, has announced plans to open more than 100 stores over the next two years.

The company says it is currently exploring new locations in Suffolk and Norfolk with the first of these to open - 'likely to be in Bury St Edmunds '.

The Geek Retreat store which recently opened in Chelmsford. Picture: Geek Retreat.
The Geek Retreat store which recently opened in Chelmsford. Picture: Geek Retreat.

The Geek Retreat franchise opened its first store in Glasgow in 2013 and employs 110 people.

It has 14 city centre stores and stocks merchandise such as comics, posters, clothing, figures and memorabilia as well as games and trading cards.

It also specialises in cult brands such as Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars and Harry Potter, while selling graphic novels and gaming accessories such as dice.

The expansion follows the popularity of franchises such as Marvel and Stranger Things and is a place where 'customers can enjoy geeky interests and games'.

Current stores includine Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, Motherwell, Bradford, the Wirral, Nottingham, Middlesbrough, Llandudno and two in London.

The most recent outlets to open are in Northwich and Chelmsford. Others are due to launch shortly in Bournemouth, Northampton and Liverpool.

It said its Covid-safe plan would create around 600 new jobs.

The chain aims to open five stores per month from the beginning of 2021, but points out that with the Covid-19 virus those plans are subject to change.

A spokesperson said the company is now exploring sites in Suffolk and Norfolk.

She said; "I can confirm the first of these stores to open is likely to be in Bury St Edmunds, where we are exploring lease options."

Peter Dobson, chief executive of Geek Retreat, said: “The UK’s gaming and hobby sector is a real success story and Geek Retreat is a home for the communities who are at the heart of this phenomenon.

"The wellbeing of our customers and staff has always been incredibly important to us – now more than ever everyone should expect a friendly, safe and clean environment to meet and play.

"We have made sure all of our stores are welcoming and accessible to gamers whatever their interests, providing a place for our loyal customers to get out of the house and play safely post-lockdown.

“This is particularly important for our more vulnerable customers, like those on the autistic

spectrum, or with mental health issues where being in an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment is very important.

"It is strength of the relationships which our stores build with local communities that is a key driver of growth.”

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