SCOTTISH-BASED games and entertainment retailer Geek Retreat has said it has faith in the future of the high street as it unveiled plans to open another 100 stores over the next two years.
The Glasgow-based retailer, which opened its first store in the city in 2017, said its rapid expansion plan will create around 600 jobs.
The brand currently has 14 sites across the UK employing around 110 staff, which combine retail space with cafes and areas to play games and hold events. It said it expects to open its next sites in Bournemouth, Northampton and Liverpool.
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.”
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 the strength of the relationships which our stores build with local communities that is a key driver of growth.”
Geek Retreat has continued to open new sites despite the pandemic.
It comes as new data from MBH Corporation revealed that one in five small businesses expect to make a profit this year despite impacts
of Covid-19.
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