Geek Retreat plans to open a store in Bournemouth

The company, founded in Glasgow three years ago, hopes to open 100 new stores, creating 600 new jobs over the next two years.

Bournemouth, Northampton and Liverpool will see the first three new branches.

The brand currently has 14 sites nationwide, which combine retail space with cafes and areas to play games and hold events.

Chief executive Peter Dobson said: “The UK’s gaming and hobby sector is a real success story and Geek Retreat is a home for the communities who are at the heart of this phenomenon.

“The wellbeing of our customers and staff has always been incredibly important to us – now more than ever everyone should expect a friendly, safe and clean environment to meet and play.”

The company, which currently employs around 110 staff, stocks geek culture merchandise such as comics, posters, clothing, figures and memorabilia as well as games and trading cards.

Mr Dobson added: “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.

“This is particularly important for our more vulnerable customers, like those on the autistic spectrum, or with mental health issues where being in an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment is very important.

“It is strength of the relationships which our stores build with local communities that is a key driver of growth.”

Geek Retreat said it has continued to grow and open new sites despite the pandemic, recently launching stores in Northwich and Chelmsford.

It comes as new data from MBH Corporation reveals that one in five small businesses still expect to make a profit this year despite the impact of Covid-19.