High street entertainment retailer on course to open 60 stores by end of the year

Geek Retreat also announces series of new hires to support growth of the business

Geek Retreat, the geek culture retailer, gaming café and events organiser, says it’s on track to open 60 of its planned 100 new stores on high streets by the end of 2021, creating 360 jobs. 

The franchise is also confident of meeting its previously announced target of a total of 100 new outlets in 2022.

New sites are due to open in a number of UK locations, including Blackburn, Hereford, Exeter, Lincoln, Ipswich, Bedford and Exeter, in the next couple of months.

Geek Retreat opened its first store in Glasgow in 2013 and currently has 27 sites stocking geek culture merchandise like comics, posters, clothing, figures and memorabilia, as well as games and trading cards. 

Fans of everything from Marvel and sci-fi to Warhammer and Pokémon - and even traditional board games - are welcome at the stores to indulge their hobbies.

To support the business’ growth, the retailer has announced a series of new hires, including four franchise development managers, who will support the expanding geographical footprint of the brand.

A further 25 employees will join the head office team in new roles such as new store openings managers, event and gaming specialist and head of digital and e-commerce.

Following the recent brand relaunch, Geek Retreat has also unveiled a new menu in consultation with franchisees. 

The full roll-out, in partnership with food service firm Booker, sees the introduction of a menu with vegetarian, vegan and children’s options.

Peter Dobson, chief executive of Geek Retreat, says: “We’re pressing ahead with our expansion plans and are on track to meet our target for new stores. 

“Despite the impact the pandemic has had on the high street more generally, the Geek Retreat proposition and unique culture has proved particularly resilient and has shown us how important it is for people to have a safe place to visit and share their interests with friends as part of a community.”