Calling all geeks and gamers - there's a new reason to come into Bedford

"Experiences have to be part of the new offer from the town centre"
By Clare Turner
Published 22nd Jun 2021, 11:45 BST
Updated 22nd Jun 2021, 13:14 BST
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Two new shops which are set to open could transform your summer.

Geek Retreat will open in the Harpur Centre and Rewind will be in The Arcade off the High Street.

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Founded in Glasgow in 2017, Geek Retreat sells everything from figures, board games, tabletop games and trading cards from some of the biggest brands in geekdom.

Geek Retreat at Harpur Centre, which is opening soonGeek Retreat at Harpur Centre, which is opening soon
Geek Retreat at Harpur Centre, which is opening soon

And what's more - there is a collection of free to play board games which can be enjoyed over a geek-themed milkshake or burger.

Geek Retreat is also an events hub, catering for kids and beginners with Learn to Play Sessions for casual players to tournaments for more experienced players in Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Dungeons and Dragons and Yu-Gi-Oh!

The Bedford store will be run by gaming enthusiasts, and best mates, Jordan Stevenson and Dan Sexton.

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“We have been gaming together ever since we first met at school. Running a gaming store is our dream job,” Jordan said.

Owner Jedd from Rewind Retro Arcade, which is also opening very soonOwner Jedd from Rewind Retro Arcade, which is also opening very soon
Owner Jedd from Rewind Retro Arcade, which is also opening very soon

The opening date is yet to be confirmed - follow Geek Retreat @GR-BEDFORD on Twitter and @geekretreatbedford on Instagram.

Rewind Retro Arcade is also opening very soon.

Owner Jedd said: “For many years now I've dreamed of opening my own Retro Games Arcade and had been planning it long before I opened my Rewind Merchandise shop.

“The shop has been a big hit and I have built up a great customer following. Obviously Covid-19 had slowed everything down, but now I'm even more determined to make my arcade the best it can be.”

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Jedd plans to make it a place to come and have fun with friends, meet new people, play on much-loved classic Arcade games like Pacman, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Defender, Mortal Kombat.

Like Geek Retreat, the opening date this summer has yet to be finalised. Visit here for more detailsSamantha Laycock, Harpur Centre manager, said: “Experiences have to be part of the new offer from the town centre.

“We hope people will still come to shop in our showrooms and stores, but we know there needs to be more on offer, particularly for younger people," added Samantha, who is also chair of the Bedford Improvement District (BedfordBID) which promotes the town under the Love Bedford brand.