Geek Retreat shop launches in St Helens town centre

Entertainment retailer Geek Retreat has opened a new store in Church Square Shopping Centre.

Founded in Glasgow in 2017, this ‘geek culture’ retailer sells everything from figures, board games, tabletop games and trading cards from some of the biggest brands in 'geekdom'.

There is a collection of free to play board games which people can enjoy over a geek-themed milkshake or a tasty burger.

Geek Retreat is also an events hub, catering for children and beginners with Learn to Play Sessions, for casual players and tournaments for more experienced players featuring popular games including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Dungeons and Dragons and Yu-Gi-Oh!

With comic book signings, games tournaments, quizzes, a bite to eat or a shake to drink among the offerings, shoppers will be able to find something for themselves to enjoy in a safe environment.

The grand opening of the store took place and the first 10 people who visited in cosplay received a free milkshake.

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Geek Retreat says it aims to create a community hub where shoppers can mingle and share their interests, even if they don’t consider themselves geeks.

It will be welcome shoppers from across St Helens and beyond and their mission is to be the friendliest place to meet, eat, shop and game. It is a fun café with an opportunity to try a new game, trade or participate in special events and tournaments.

Store manager, Ian Emery said, “Both Chris and I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have received from the communities we have met in St Helens and hope that we can live up to everyone’s expectations. We are going to become a safe space were everyone is welcome and included to enjoy their favourite geeky pastime.”

The new store has created six new jobs in St Helens through the city region Ways to Work programme which is an employment and skills programme, delivered by the borough council, which looks to secure job and training opportunities.

Church Square Shopping Centre says it has more exciting plans for the next few months.

Cllr Groucutt

Cllr Kate Groucutt, council cabinet member for education, skills and business, added: “We are delighted to have secured Geek Retreat as an occupier in Church Square Shopping Centre.

“We have worked tirelessly during Covid to bring new businesses into St Helens, ones which will enhance the experience of visiting the town centre and we believe Geek Retreat will do just that.

“We are looking forward to seeing them open and building a successful franchise here in St Helens.”

Geek Retreat is in the old GAME unit in Lagrange Arcade, Church Square.

For details, follow their social media pages Geek Retreat St Helens.