Member Article

Geek Corner comes to Stockton

A NEW Stockton store joins a long list of businesses that have opened since the launch of the town’s Business Improvement District.

Comic book shop, Geek Corner, recently opened at the indoor Regency West Mall at Stockton Town Centre.

And the new retailer, which is a joint partnership between existing businesses Sub Zero Comics and card seller Tinker Harley, is the 17th business to open since BID company, Rediscover Stockton, launched in November 2016 and Stockton high street won the Great British High Street – Rising Star award.

Originally running as an online shop. Tinker Harley owner Sammie Gibben set up a partnership with husband and wife team Lesley and David Baker of Sub Zero Comics.

They recognised there was a market for a one-stop-shop offering everything that gamers and comics fans wanted – from merchandise and cards to custom-made props and costumes.

This is not the first time the three have worked together, as Sammie started life as an apprentice at Sub Zero’s Bishopton Lane store three years ago before branching out to set up her own online business.

But now the trio have reunited with a brand new business venture.

“When Lesley and David told me they were looking at moving, I went along with them to the shop and instantly fell in love with it,” said Sammie, joint company director at Geek Corner.

“With its current regeneration, Regency West Mall seemed an ideal place to be, especially with our friends at the Lumpy Pumpkin opening up their retro gaming bar just along from us.

“We’ve had some amazing feedback since opening, with both new and regular visitors coming to see us, including customers from as far afield as Scotland, the Midlands and even Norway.

“David makes props for cosplay and other costume events, so we have many international customers, with past commissions coming from Hollywood, Australia and San Diego Comic Con – one of the biggest comic conventions in the world.

“All three of us are really enjoying our new venture. We have always believed enter as strangers, leave as friends, and people always say how this is true, with visitors always finding someone to chat to in store.”

Karen Hindhaugh, BID manager at Stockton Business Improvement District said:

“It’s always great to see new independent businesses open up within the town, and Geek Corner is a great addition to Regency Mall.”

Stockton BID was launched to help drive business into the town centre and boost the economy through various initiatives, including sorting better deals for traders and creating a programme of events to boost visitor numbers.

Since forming, it has attracted thousands of people to the town centre through large scale events including a Strictly Valentine’s tea dance featuring BBC Strictly Come Dancing star, Giovanni Pernice, Stockton in the Spotlight, a Fashion Extravaganza, sci-fi festival Kapow and a Stockton-by-the-sea pop-up beach.

The BID team has also launched an Eat and Drink guide, two Books of Really Big Offers, the Historical Market guide and the The Peculiar Past history tours, which saw local schools on a guided walk of the town to discover its quirky history.

For more information on Stockton BID, visit the website http://rediscoverstockton.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .