Gaming café and shop to celebrate 'geek culture'

Plans for a gaming cafe and shop which celebrates “geek culture” in Aberdeen have been unveiled.

Entertainment retailer Geek Retreat has submitted an application to the council seeking permission to open a new shop in the former Game store unit in Union Street.

The firm specialises in everything from comics to board games and sells various pieces of merchandise including figures, posters, clothing and accessories.

Visitors are encouraged to “stop in and geek out” by playing board and video games, pick up graphic novels or take part in various events including trading card game tournaments.

Fans of Marvel, DC Comics, Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering are welcome to indulge in their hobbies at the store, as the firm aims to create “inclusive, welcoming and social environments” for both self-confessed geeks and non-geeks alike.

Planning documents reveal that the Aberdeen branch will be open seven days a week and 363 days a year.

Snacks, burgers and comic-themed milkshakes will also be available for visitors to enjoy at the new facility.

As the plans for the new Granite City store are still in the early stages, there is currently no planned opening date.

Last October, Geek Retreat announced its plans to open 100 stores across the UK by the end of 2022, creating around 600 jobs in the process.

The company’s founder, Stephen Walsh, opened the first store in Glasgow back in 2013 and it was designed to be a fun place for people to “play ‘geeky’ games and grab a milkshake”.

However, plans to expand the business through franchising were introduced in 2016 following support from customers and various fandom communities.

Geek Retreat is working towards becoming the first brand in the UK to specialise in its market sector.