Geek Retreat plans on opening 100 more stores

Games and fantasy company Geek Retreat has confirmed its plans to open another 100 stores over the next two years according to the BBC.

The new 100 store plan is predicted to create around 600 new jobs.

The retailer said it plans on opening sites in Bournemouth, Northampton and Liverpool in the coming months, followed by Southampton, Dumfries, Cardiff and Sutton in London.

The chain, which operates as a franchise, told BBC it plans to “open five stores per month from the beginning of 2021,” but pointed out that with the Covid-19 pandemic this could be subject to change.

The Scottish stores, which consist predominantly of comics, memorabilia and tabletop games, currently have 14 UK sites which combine retail space with cafes and areas to play games and hold events.

Geek Retreat was founded in Glasgow in 2017 and caters for the gaming and fantasy industry.

The chain specialises in various cult games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars and Harry Potter, while selling graphic novels and gaming accessories such as dice.

Peter Dobson, boss of Geek Retreat said: “During the pandemic, while our gaming events have had to stop and the hospitality side of our business is more difficult, our stores still have loyal communities who support our retail side.

“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.”