Author: grsinglesitdev

In the dynamic world of high street retail, especially within the niche market of local game stores, the past five years have been nothing short of transformative for Geek Retreat. As a business that thrives on community, inclusivity, and shared passions, we have weathered a series of significant challenges that have reshaped not only our operations but also our vision for the future. From Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic to the increasing rise of e-commerce, the energy price crisis, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, each challenge has tested our resilience and adaptability. Yet, through every adversity, Geek Retreat has emerged stronger, more focused, and better positioned to serve our community.

The Challenges We Faced

The Brexit changes introduced in late 2019 marked the beginning of a new era of uncertainty for businesses across the UK. For Geek Retreat, which relied heavily on a diverse supply chain to stock our stores with the latest games, accessories, and geek merchandise, Brexit introduced a wave of logistical challenges. The introduction of new tariffs, delays at customs, and fluctuations in currency values made it more difficult and costly to import goods. These issues were particularly challenging for our franchisees, who faced increased costs at a time when maintaining competitive pricing was crucial.

Just as the dust began to settle on Brexit, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. For a business like Geek Retreat, which is built on the idea of community and physical gatherings, the pandemic was a seismic event. Lockdowns forced the temporary closure of our stores, cutting off the lifeblood of our business—our customers. Social distancing measures, coupled with widespread anxiety about public spaces, resulted in a sharp decline in foot traffic even after restrictions were eased. Despite implementing rigorous safety measures, including enhanced sanitation protocols and reduced store capacities, the pandemic’s impact was profound, leading to the difficult decision to close several of our locations.

Meanwhile, the rise of e-commerce, which was accelerated by lockdown, has continued to reshape consumer behavior. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with aggressive pricing from major e-commerce platforms, has lured many customers away from high street stores. For Geek Retreat, this trend underscored the importance of our differentiated in-store experience. While online competitors offered convenience, we doubled down on community—transforming our stores into hubs where people could come together, share their passions, and create lasting memories. However, the pressure from e-commerce was relentless, and it contributed to the financial strain on some of our locations, leading to further closures.

The energy price crisis and the cost-of-living crisis have added additional layers of complexity. Rising energy costs have increased operational expenses for all of our stores, squeezing profit margins at a time when consumers are more budget-conscious than ever. The broader economic environment has also affected our customers, many of whom are facing financial pressures that limit their discretionary spending. This has made it more challenging to drive foot traffic and sales, particularly in a retail environment that is already highly competitive.

Our Response: Innovation and Resilience

In the face of these challenges, Geek Retreat has responded with resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement. We have always believed that adversity can be a catalyst for growth, and this belief has driven our strategic decisions over the past five years.

One of our primary responses has been to enhance the support we provide to our franchisees. Recognizing that the success of our individual stores is crucial to the overall health of our brand, we have invested heavily in franchisee training, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these turbulent times. We’ve introduced a comprehensive support system that includes everything from marketing assistance to operational guidance, purchasing advice, ensuring that our franchisees are equipped to thrive even in challenging environments.

In addition to improving our franchise support, we have also made significant strides in enhancing our product offerings. We’ve negotiated better merchandise discounts with our suppliers, improving franchisee margins and enabling us to offer more competitive pricing to our customers. This has been particularly important as we seek to retain our customer base in the face of rising living costs. Our ability to provide value for money, without compromising on quality, has been a key factor in maintaining customer loyalty during these challenging times.

A major milestone in our journey has been the launch of our loyalty app, which has significantly boosted customer engagement. The app allows customers to earn 20% back on all their purchases, which can then be spent back in Geek Retreat stores or dozens of other major high street retailers. This digital initiative has for the first time made Geek Retreat stores competitive on price with even the lowest cost online competitors, demonstrating the importance of blending traditional retail with modern technology.

Despite the setbacks we’ve faced, it’s important to highlight the positive outcomes of our efforts. While some competitors have attempted to capitalize on our challenges, using store closures to troll us online, we have remained focused on what truly matters—continuously improving our offering and providing the best possible experience for our customers. Our response to adversity has been to innovate, not to retreat, and this approach has paid off. Even with a reduced number of stores, our total sales have reached record levels, and our existing stores are performing better than ever before. Average sales and profitability have continued to increase year on year, underscoring the success of our strategic improvements.

As we look ahead to a bright future, it’s important to recognize just how remarkable Geek Retreat’s journey has been. Running a Local Game Store (LGS) is notoriously complex, and Geek Retreat stands out as the largest chain of LGSs not only in the UK but across Europe and North America. Our ability to scale to over 30 stores is a feat that no other business in this niche has achieved. This success is a testament to our deep understanding of what it takes to run a thriving LGS—knowledge that comes from years of experience and a relentless commitment to our community. This expertise has been instrumental in navigating the challenges we’ve faced and positions us well as we continue to grow and innovate in the years to come.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

As we move forward, Geek Retreat is poised for growth. We are expanding our estate of stores across the UK, building on the strong foundation we’ve established over the past few years. Our commitment to innovation, community, and adaptability has not only helped us weather the storm but has also positioned us for continued success in the years to come.

The challenges of the past five years have been significant, but they have also been instrumental in shaping the future of Geek Retreat. We have emerged stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever to bring the joy of geek culture to communities across the UK. Our journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to our core values, even in the face of adversity. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident in our ability to navigate whatever challenges the future may hold.

Geek Retreat’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and community. By embracing these principles, we have not only survived but thrived, and we are more committed than ever to providing a welcoming space for all who share our passion for geek culture. The best is yet to come, and we look forward to continuing this journey with our customers, franchisees, and community partners by our side.

New research by Geek Retreat, the geek culture retailer, gaming café, community hub and events
venue, shows that 15% of Brits have set up their own business in the past ten years, and of these,
44% did so in the last three years. The findings also show that more women (52%) have started their
own business in the past three years, compared to men (30%).

Retail and financial services were the two most popular sectors for start-ups, according 19% and 16%
respectively.

The top three drivers for making the decision to go it alone were to earn more money (43%), two
fifths (41%) said that they wanted to be their own boss, 35% said they needed greater flexibility
which they believed they would achieve if they ran their own business.

Whilst over two thirds (68%) said that they run the business on their own, 19% said they had an
equal partner and 13% said they had set up with members of the family. However, when it comes to
exit strategies, plans are somewhat lacking. Over one third (37%) said they hadn’t thought about
what they will do with the business when they retire, 23% said they would close it down and 18%
said they would pass it on to a family member.

The Geek Retreat franchise, which opened its first store in Glasgow in 2013, now has 36 stores
compared to ten at the end of 2019, reflecting its huge popularity on the high street because it
offers local communities and individuals a safe and inclusive place to enjoy their hobbies and
interests.

It has seen an increase in enquiries over the past 12 months from entrepreneurs who are keen to set
up their own business, but also see the benefits of the model which offers an established brand,
training to get the up store up and running as quickly as possible, and on-going support from an
expert team.

Peter Dobson, CEO of Geek Retreat, commented: “Our research shows the last three years have
seen a surge in people setting up on their own as people see greater financial and lifestyle
opportunities as key benefits of being their own boss.

“At Geek Retreat, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and offer franchisees the independence to
grow and expand, but with support from our central Franchise Success Team who provide expertise
across all areas of the business to help them succeed.”

In an unprecedented weekend of gaming excitement, Geek Retreat, the leading national retailer for all things geek, proudly announces the outstanding success of the release weekend for Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn, the second release from the latest trading card game collaboration between Disney and Ravensburger.

The game has quickly become a sensation, captivating both TCG players and Disney enthusiasts alike. The first set, released on August 18, was met with immense enthusiasm, setting the stage for an even more spectacular follow up.

Record-Breaking Release Weekend

The launch weekend of Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn on November 17 saw queues of eager customers outside Geek Retreat stores before doors opened at 10 am. Reports indicate that stores experienced a surge in sales, with some stores achieving thousands of pounds in sales within the first 10 minutes of opening. The new daily sales record was an astonishing 36% higher than the previous record.

Geek Retreat also shattered its previous records for the average sales per store, single store sales, total weekend sales and sales for a single product release. 

This success is attributed to the substantial stock secured by the central buying team, the dedicated efforts of stores in creating and fostering Lorcana communities, and the overwhelming interest in the game.

Strategic Moves Lead to Unprecedented Success

Anticipating the immense popularity of Lorcana, Geek Retreat took strategic measures to ensure a smooth supply chain and meet the forecasted demand. In February of this year, Geek Retreat established a dedicated central buying team to secure favourable terms and availability of stock for its stores.

Peter Dobson, CEO of Geek Retreat, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements: “Establishing closer relationships with Ravensburger has been pivotal in our successful central buying strategy. We receive excellent support, open communication, and stock allocations that align with our sales forecasting. This has resulted in a record-breaking weekend, and most importantly, Geek Retreat customers have been able to readily access and play with the products that they enjoy in our friendly and inclusive environments.”

Peter Dobson concluded, “I am blown away by these numbers, but this has come as a result of a huge coordinated effort that has touched every part of this business across both the head office and the franchisees. I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved here.” 

Due to its overwhelming popularity there will be a reprint of The First Chapter available in stores in January 2024. 

Franchisor’s Perspective: Navigating Economic Challenges Successfully
Your franchise is booming, despite the current economic crisis. Why do
you think that is and can you share any insights into how your franchise
system selects and supports franchisees who are better equipped to
navigate economic challenges successfully?

In the face of a persistent difficult trading landcape, Geek Retreat, a UK-based game store
franchise has proven resilient. The CBI reported retail sales volumes in the year to July fell at
the fastest pace since April 2022 (weighted balance of -25% from -9% in the year to June).
Sales were expected to fall even more quickly in August (-32%). However, at Geek Retreat
their ‘Average Revenue per Store’ metric broke records in June, July and August – making
the summer the most successful trading period of the year so far.
In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this success and explore how the franchise
system selects and supports franchisees adept at navigating economic challenges.

1. A Resilient Portfolio of Stores
   Geek Retreat’s journey through economic turbulence has involved a period of
   rationalisation, sadly resulting in the closure of certain stores. These closures were
   attributed to various factors, including anti-social behaviour, unattainable lease agreements,
   franchisee health and poor trading.
   The remaining stores in the portfolio have proven robust and resilient, having faced and
   overcome multiple obstacles. These stores have not only survived but are now trading
   positively due to their unwavering commitment to the Geek Retreat model and their loyal
   communities.
2. Community-Centric Approach
   At the heart of Geek Retreat’s franchise success lies a focus on the communities they serve.
   These stores offer a safe haven where people with shared passions can convene, fostering
   lasting friendships. This community-centric approach has not only solidified customer loyalty
   but has also made Geek Retreat an essential part of people’s lives, even during the cost of
   living crisis.
3. Personal Commitment and Innovation
   Geek Retreat’s unique owner-operating franchise model, with 32 franchisees managing 37
   stores, underscores a personal commitment to innovate and invest in local communities.
   This commitment sets the franchise apart and drives its ability to adapt to changing
   conditions.
4. Unwavering Support
   Supporting franchisees is a top priority for Geek Retreat. The franchise has developed a
   comprehensive support package comprising resources, advice, and training to help
   franchisees navigate challenges, avoid store closures, and return to profitability. This
   support was recently extended to include a central buying function that negotiates better
   terms and stock allocations with key publishers, ensuring the franchise’s competitiveness in
   a tight market.
   Additionally, Geek Retreat has partnered with Two, a trade credit provider, to help
   franchisees to manage cash flows during peak stock purchasing periods, providing
   franchisees with financial stability.
5. Customer Loyalty and Feedback
   The unwavering loyalty of Geek Retreat’s customers is a testament to the franchise’s
   resilience. With an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +84, higher than even tech giant
   Apple, it’s evident that customers appreciate the unique experience Geek Retreat offers.

In conclusion, Geek Retreat’s ability to thrive in challenging economic conditions can be
attributed to a combination of factors: a robust portfolio of community-centric stores, a
personal commitment to innovation, and an unwavering focus on franchisee support. It’s a
testament to the strength of their franchise system and the resilience of their franchisees.

Franchisee’s Perspective: Adaptation during the Cost of Living Crisis

During the cost of living crisis, have you observed any shifts in customer behaviour or
preferences, and how have you adapted your franchise operation to meet these changes?

Stewart and Laura Brass, owners of a Geek Retreat store in Sunderland, offer insights into
how the franchise operation has adapted to changing customer behaviours and preferences
during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

1. Embracing Experience-Centric Shopping
   One notable shift in customer behaviour observed during the cost of living crisis is the desire
   for a more experiential visit to the store. Customers are no longer solely looking to purchase
   products and leave; instead, they seek a place where they can spend quality time. Geek
   Retreat’s model, which includes opportunities for socialising, learning new games, and
   enjoying café facilities, aligns perfectly with this trend.
2. A Second Home for Hobbies
   As people invest more in their hobbies to cope with economic challenges, Geek Retreat
   stores have become a second home for customers. Friends regularly meet in-store,
   embracing the core value of community that Geek Retreat promotes. This sense of
   belonging and camaraderie has become increasingly vital during times of financial
   uncertainty.
3. Appeal of Alcohol-Free Social Spaces
   Younger customers, in particular, have shown a shift in behaviour during the cost of living
   crisis. An alcohol-free social space is now more appealing than ever, aligning with Geek
   Retreat’s inclusive and family-friendly environment. This shift has expanded the franchise’s
   customer base and solidified its role as a community hub.
4. Expanding Product Offerings
   To cater to evolving customer preferences, Geek Retreat has expanded its product range
   offerings. Recognising that some product categories no longer sell as well as they once did,
   the franchise now provides a wider selection of stock in-store, ensuring a continuous
   conversion of shoppers to buyers. This adaptability ensures that customers find what they
   need while supporting the franchise’s sustainability.

In conclusion, Stewart and Laura Brass’s experience as Geek Retreat franchisees in
Sunderland illustrates the franchise’s ability to adapt to changing customer behaviours
during challenging economic times. By embracing experiential shopping, fostering a sense of
community, appealing to younger demographics, and expanding their product offerings,
Geek Retreat remains a thriving and adaptable business in the face of economic uncertainty.

Geek Retreat, the geek culture retailer, gaming café, community hub and events venue, has
announced that combined revenue from across its entire retail estate for the first nine months of
2022 is 138% higher than the same period in 2021 and 550% higher than in 2019, before the start of
the Coronavirus pandemic. The retailer has also seen record monthly sales this year and in April hit
over £1 million in monthly sales across its store estate for the first time. It has since beaten this
record three times.

Having enjoyed rapid expansion, the strategic priority of the business now is to make sure it is as
financially strong as possible, with a commitment to making every Geek Retreat store a success for
both the franchisee and the local communities they serve.

Geek Retreat has enhanced its business strategy to ensure its stores continue to increase turnover,
profitability and customer feedback ratings in a challenging economic climate and as the cost of
living crisis bites. This includes significant investment and support to help its franchise stores
become profitable and resilient enough to weather the ongoing economic uncertainty and cost of
living crisis, as the high street recovers from the devasting effects of the pandemic.

A new enhanced Franchise Success Team has been established, which provides training and support
on specialist operational areas, including finance, marketing, HR, operations, products and events,
media, and community outreach. Franchisees can access high quality training, on-boarding, 1-2-1
support, a library of templates and marketing materials, an extensive operations manual and access
to a peer-group community of other franchisees to share positive news, ideas and experience.

Store coverage
While 2022 has seen the closure of a number stores due to poor financial performance or changes in
franchisee circumstances such as illness, which meant the stores were no longer viable, the Geek
Retreat management team is working hard to get as many of them reopened as possible because
they offer something important to communities that are not widely represented in mainstream
society.

Improved performance
The new strategy is already yielding results by delivering record-breaking days of takings in a store in
the last three months, setting a new record for highest sales a single store has achieved in a week
(Glasgow in July). In April this year, the business hit over £1m of sales across the store estate for the
first time. It has now achieved this four times during 2022.

New research shows that customer satisfaction is also extremely high, with three quarters of Geek
Retreat customers rating the stores as 9/10 or 10/10 and achieved a Net Promoter Score (the
likelihood that they would recommend Geek Retreat) of +65 or ‘excellent’ (+70 is gateway to world
class).

Peter Dobson, Chief Executive of Geek Retreat, commented: “Like many businesses on the high
street, the pandemic had a big impact on us and made us think differently about what success
looked like. We want all Geek Retreat stores to maximise their potential, both financially and to
provide our incredibly loyal customers with a safe, inclusive, and entertaining environment.

“Our new approach is working well as we continue to achieve record sales days. This year we have
achieved an important milestone of £1m of sales in a month across the estate and we have broken
that record several times over since. Like all businesses in today’s economic climate, we are keeping
a close eye on performance, but I am confident that we have the best possible team and resources
in place to help franchisees who want their stores to succeed.”