Part of a nationwide franchise opening hundreds of stores across the UK, Geek Retreat hopes to be a one-stop shop for anyone interested in ‘geek’ culture, ranging from table-top gaming to limited edition prints from local artists.
The store, in Arundel Street, near Commercial Road, held a grand opening on Saturday.
The event went so well staff were left rushing out to restock the store’s café bar – a ‘fantastic’ result, according to franchisee Bruce Cooke.
The 30-year-old former composite technician said: ‘We just want to make a great community. It feels amazing to be open.’
Now the store has plans for different events – featuring Warhammer, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic: The Gathering – almost every night of the week, as well as plans for video game nights, featuring Mario Kart among other classic multiplayer games.
Business partner and fellow franchisee Beth Davis, 40, said: ‘It’s been scary – but exciting. I’m…