Geek Retreat Explained

Geek Retreat UK LTD
Industry:Retail store, event space & café
Hq Location City:Glasgow, Scotland
Num Locations:24 stores (2024)
Area Served:England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
Website:https://www.geek-retreat.uk/

Geek Retreat is a chain of franchised combined shops and board game cafés in the United Kingdom.[1] [2] The venues offer food, drink, and have various items for sale, while also providing a space to play board games, console games and trading card games.[3] The venues also hold regular events.[4]

History

The company opened its first venue in Glasgow in 2013. Its second venue opened the following year in Newcastle upon Tyne.[5] It joined the British Franchise Association in 2021.[6] In June 2021, it had 27 venues.[7] In late 2022, as part of a program of streamlining the corporate entities within Geek Retreat Group, one of the sub companies within the group was put into liquidation. This process had no effect on trading or the wider group.[8]

In June 2022, the Attack of the 50ft Nerds Podcast began to perform their shows monthly out of the Warrington venue,[9] with one show in the Liverpool venue taking place in November 2022.[10]

Business model

The individual venues are franchised. Entry is free and guests are asked to purchase food and drink.

The list of closed suggest the model is ineffective with many venues closing in the first two years of operatio.

Open Locations

Closed Locations

References

  1. News: 2020-10-19. Geek Retreat: Retailer of 'all things geeky' to open 100 new shops. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-11-04. 2021-01-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20210128205554/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54599300. live.
  2. News: 2021-07-26. Geek Retreat rolls the dice on smaller town stores. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-11-04. 2021-10-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20211019052536/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-57930005. live.
  3. Web site: Hopkins. Daniel. 2020-12-15. Holy new business Batman: New café for all those nerdy opens in Bury. live. 2021-11-04. Bury Times. en. 2020-12-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20201230125349/https://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/18942787.new-geek-retreat-cafe-opens-bury/.
  4. Web site: Williams. Jenessa. 2018-07-24. ‘The stuff of introverted teen fantasy’ - what happens inside Geek Retreat Leeds?. 2021-11-04. Confidentials. en.
  5. Web site: Rodger. Hannah. 2016-08-29. Glasgow Means Business: Stephen and Carina Walsh of Geek Retreat. 2021-11-08. Glasgow Times. en.
  6. Web site: Geek Retreat. 2021-11-04. British Franchise Association. en-GB.
  7. Web site: 2021-06-03. Geek Retreat 'on track' to open 60 new stores by end of 2021. retailsector.co.uk.
  8. Web site: FAQs – Geek Retreat UK . 2024-01-12 . geek-retreat.uk.
  9. News: Heale . Jack . Attack of the 50ft Nerds Podcast coming to Geek Retreat . 8 June 2023 . Warrington Guardian . Newsquest Media Group Ltd. . 7 June 2022.
  10. Web site: Attack of the 50ft Nerds Podcast: Live! - 20th November 2022 . Ticketsource.co.uk . 8 June 2023.
  11. Web site: Scott . Jenna . 2022-04-01 . Aberdeen game store aims to provide a 'safe space' for minority groups . 2022-06-06 . AberdeenLive . en.
  12. Web site: Barrett. Fay. 2021-08-10. Newlyweds open disability inclusive Geek Retreat in Bedford. 2021-11-04. Bedford Independent. en-GB. 2021-08-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20210811104423/https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/newlyweds-open-disability-inclusive-geek-retreat-in-bedford/. live.
  13. Web site: Harrigan. Joe. 2021-06-10. 'Geek culture' comics and video games cafe comes to Blackburn. live. 2021-11-04. Lancashire Telegraph. en. 2021-06-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20210611211118/https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19356989.blackburn-geek-retreat-cafe-set-open-later-june/.
  14. News: Kreft . Helen . 2022-02-04 . First look at new Geek Retreat as it about to open in Burton . Staffordshire Live . 2023-04-11.
  15. News: Gregory . Rhys . 2022-02-04 . Geek Retreat opens two new Welsh locations . Wales247 . 2023-04-11.
  16. Web site: Ferris. Mick. 2021-05-17. Ground-breaking service supports Essex adults with learning disabilities into paid employment. 2021-11-04. Yellow Advertiser. en-GB. 2021-05-17. https://web.archive.org/web/20210517195336/https://www.yellowad.co.uk/ground-breaking-service-supports-essex-adults-with-learning-disabilities-into-paid-employment/. live.
  17. Web site: Geek Retreat Coventry . 2023-04-11 . geek-retreat.uk.
  18. Web site: Geek Retreat Dudley . 2023-04-11 . geek-retreat.uk.
  19. Web site: Staff Reporter . 2022-12-03 . The Geek Retreat opens in the Harvey Centre . 2023-04-11 . Your Harlow.
  20. Web site: 2021-09-23. Harrogate's Geek Retreat to create autism-friendly space. 2021-11-04. The Stray Ferret. en-GB. 2021-09-23. https://web.archive.org/web/20210923205713/https://thestrayferret.co.uk/harrogates-geek-retreat-to-create-autism-friendly-space/. live.
  21. News: Marko . Nic . Geek Retreat wins permission to open new comic book store and gaming cafe in Hartlepool . Hartlepool Mail . 2023-04-10.
  22. Web site: Mclaughlin. Charlotte. 2021-10-22. First look inside Ipswich's new Geek Retreat games cafe. 2021-11-04. Ipswich Star. en-UK. 2021-11-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20211102210149/https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/business/geek-retreat-ipswich-opening-hours-as-it-starts-8434024. live.
  23. Web site: Geek Retreat cafe set to open in Kettering town centre . Northamptonshire Telegraph.
  24. Web site: Collis. Emily. 2021-02-13. Geek Retreat new gaming store opening in Kidderminster. 2021-11-08. Kidderminster Shuttle. en.
  25. Web site: New opening date for Stevenage Geek Retreat . 2023-04-11 . The Comet . en.
  26. Web site: Bamber . Jonathan . 2021-12-18 . Gamers and geeks find their paradise at city centre retreat . 2023-04-11 . StokeonTrentLive . en.
  27. Web site: Wheeler. Katy. 2021-04-19. Geek Retreat opens new gaming cafe and shop in Sunderland city centre unit. live. 2021-11-04. Sunderland Echo. en. 2021-11-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20211102212059/http://www.sunderlandecho.com/business/geek-retreat-opens-new-gaming-cafe-and-shop-in-sunderland-city-centre-3206466.
  28. Web site: Morwood. Ryan. 2021-05-12. New gaming community hub in Cornwall gives players a place to 'geek out'. live. 2021-11-04. Falmouth Packet. en. 2021-05-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20210512145123/https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/19296869.truro-geek-retreat-tabletop-games-opening-may/.
  29. Web site: Why this Orford couple wanted to open events hub for gaming community in town centre . 2023-04-11 . Warrington Guardian . en.
  30. Web site: Geek Retreat Bangor . 2023-04-11 . Geek Retreat.
  31. Web site: Wednesday Yugioh at Geek Retreat Barnsley! . 2022-07-29 . geek-retreat.uk.
  32. News: Booth . Martin . 2022-03-28 . GEEK RETREAT TO OPEN FIRST SHOP IN BRISTOL . 2023-04-11.
  33. Web site: Reader. Jane. 2020-10-19. Attention all geeks: Retailer Geek Retreat plans to open a store in Bournemouth. 2021-11-08. Bournemouth Echo. en.
  34. Web site: 2020-10-29. Trader of the Week: 'I wish this place had been in Bradford when I was a kid'. live. 2021-11-04. Bradford Telegraph and Argus. en. 2020-11-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106183700/https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18828668.geek-retreat-somewhere-feel-included-share-interests/.
  35. Web site: Geek Retreat Bridgend . 2023-04-11 . Geek retreat.
  36. Web site: Porter . Gary . 2022-04-03 . What to expect from Chester's new gaming café Geek Retreat . 2023-04-11 . CheshireLive . en.
  37. Web site: Excitement as four new retailers sign up at town shopping centre . 2023-04-11 . South Wales Argus . en.
  38. Web site: Green. Lucie. 2021-11-03. Magical cosplay fun and all round geekness at grand launch of new Daventry business. live. 2021-11-04. Daventry Express. en. 2021-11-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20211104002632/https://www.daventryexpress.co.uk/business/magical-cosplay-fun-and-all-round-geekness-at-grand-launch-of-new-daventry-business-3443655.
  39. Web site: 2021-07-20. Geek Retreat Unveils New Store in Dumfries. live. 2021-11-04. Retail & Leisure International. en-GB. 2021-07-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20210720112317/https://www.rli.uk.com/geek-retreat-unveils-new-store-in-dumfries/.
  40. Web site: Vowles. Charlotte. 2021-07-16. Shop obsessed with geek culture opens this weekend. 2021-11-04. DevonLive. en. 2021-07-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20210716061852/https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/shop-obsessed-geek-culture-opens-5656420. live.
  41. Web site: Siblings create jobs as they open new gaming cafe in Greenock . 2023-04-11 . Greenock Telegraph . en.
  42. Web site: Geek Retreat Halifax . 2023-04-11 . geek-retreat.uk.
  43. Web site: Key. Alys. 2021-06-02. Geek Retreat confirms high street expansion plans are on track. 2021-11-08. inews.co.uk. en.
  44. Web site: New 'Geek Retreat' to open in Lancaster shopping centre . 2023-04-11 . Beyond Radio . en.
  45. Web site: Jones. Becky. 2021-04-03. See inside new city centre shop Geek Retreat. 2021-11-04. LeicestershireLive. en. 2021-04-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20210403065622/https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/inside-new-leicester-gaming-shop-5242105. live.
  46. Web site: Verney. Joseph. 2021-10-14. Hidden gem: Gamers meet at inclusive Geek Retreat Lincoln. live. 2021-11-04. The Lincolnite. en. 2021-10-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20211014180418/https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2021/10/hidden-gem-gamers-meet-at-inclusive-geek-retreat-lincoln/.
  47. Web site: GeekRetreat . Facebook . 2024-07-22 . Facebook . registration . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240722215247/https://www.facebook.com/GeekRetreatLiverpool/posts/pfbid0iZzR7RBbxNxKdb39Us2sW1vwzV2BVHkcJ238BFjLwqDnqToUQnhmPBjjH6XQfGSAl?rdid=YGxtAtxuCYWqzSBy&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fp%2FCAoH4wGPWytDyq2K%2F . 2024-07-22 . 2024-07-22 . www.facebook.com . en.
  48. Web site: Shazam! Take a look at the superhero transformation of Llandudno's old post office. 2021-11-04. North Wales Pioneer. en. 2020-08-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20200804141038/https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18298139.llandudnos-vaughan-street-post-office-becomes-latest-branch-geek-retreat-franchise/. live.
  49. Web site: Freeman. John. 2021-06-02. Geek Retreat expands stores across the UK with future plans for European roll-out. 2021-11-08. downthetubes.net. en-GB.
  50. Web site: Welford. Joanne. 2020-01-21. Dedicated 'geek' culture cafe chain opening in Middlesbrough. 2021-11-08. TeessideLive. en.
  51. Web site: Gaming cafe Geek Retreat in Milton Keynes closes doors after less than a year .
  52. Web site: 2019-11-11. Geek Retreat to open branch in Motherwell. 2021-11-08. Glasgow World. en.
  53. Web site: Odell. Carly. 2020-10-16. Take a look inside the brand new gaming cafe opening in Northampton TODAY. 2021-11-08. Northampton Chronicle. en.
  54. Web site: Geek Retreat confirms plans to open new Barons Quay store next month. 2021-11-04. Northwich Guardian. en. 2020-07-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20200721141645/https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/18594849.geek-retreat-confirms-august-barons-quay-store-opening-plans/. live.
  55. Web site: Pinchess. Lynette. 2019-11-20. Geek Retreat to open in the city - with appearance by Star Wars actor. 2021-11-08. NottinghamshireLive. en.
  56. Web site: Eirian Jane . Prosser . 2021-08-16 . A new board games cafe has opened in Oxford (and is welcoming all 'geeks') . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210816090417/https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19513767.geek-retreat-oxford-board-games-cafe-new-inn-hall-street/ . 2021-08-16 . 2021-11-04 . Oxford Mail . en.
  57. Web site: Portsmouth sees opening of new card and tabletop gaming store and cafe Geek Retreat. 2021-11-04. www.portsmouth.co.uk. en. 2021-08-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20210801065346/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/gaming-store-geek-retreat-opens-in-portsmouth-city-centre-offering-milkshakes-warhammer-events-pokemon-merchandise-and-much-more-3330344. live.
  58. Web site: Edgley. Timothy. 2021-08-14. Listed: New firms that have opened their doors for the first time in Southampton. 2021-11-08. Daily Echo. en.
  59. Web site: 2022-12-20 . Stafford gaming shop celebrates first anniversary . 2023-04-11 . InYourArea.co.uk.
  60. Web site: Mulligan. Simon. 2021-10-06. Geek Retreat shop launches in town centre. live. 2021-11-04. St Helens Star. en. 2021-10-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20211006155014/https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/19627032.geek-retreat-shop-launches-st-helens-town-centre/.
  61. Web site: Edgley . Timothy . 2021-08-14 . Listed: New firms that have opened their doors for the first time in Southampton . 2021-11-08 . Daily Echo . en.
  62. Web site: Abbott . Caroline . 2022-01-25 . 'Geek culture' cafe coming to Devon . 2022-06-20 . DevonLive . en.
  63. Web site: Luxury boutique and board game cafe among new Wakefield businesses opening for the first time as lockdown easing continues. 2021-11-04. www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk. en. 2021-04-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20210412182501/https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/business/consumer/luxury-boutique-and-board-game-cafe-among-new-wakefield-businesses-opening-for-the-first-time-as-lockdown-easing-continues-3198105. live.
  64. Web site: 2019-11-28. An autism friendly 'Geek Retreat' for comic and gaming fans trials in Merseyside. 2021-11-04. Liverpool Echo. en. 2021-01-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210124164028/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/in-your-area/autism-friendly-geek-retreat-comic-17330614. live.

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