Wednesday 20th January 2010

HOBBY SPECIALIST SAYS RELOCATION TO LARGER PREMISES WILL ALLOW EXPANSION

Game on for new home

A Hull games retailer is moving into larger city centre premises in order to expand its online business.

Archeron Games is relocating from its current base in Anlaby Road, west Hull, to George Street in Hull city centre.

The shop, which specialises in collectable card games, computer games, model kits and comics, was set up in 1994 by Matthew Hilton while he was still a student.

Three years later, he recruited his sister Melanie to set up and oversee the website and online sales branch.

The pair wish to develop both sides of the business and expand their range of products. They are unable to do this due to space restrictions in Archeron's current home.

Mr Hilton said, "We cannot actually stock any more goods. We are at full capacity in our current building, there is no room. We will most definitely be looking to expand our range of products once we have moved into the George Street premises. There is an upstairs office area, which is where we can base our Internet operations and keep more stock".

Mr Hilton is keen to stock the latest products in order to continue attracting new customers to the website. He say Archeron's online sales have kept them afloat through a very difficult trading period. He said "The internet has carried us to be honest, there are no two ways about it. Our website accounts for about two thirds of our business these days".

Mr Hilton signed the letting agreement shortly before Christmas and is currently fitting out the premises. He hopes to have the new store ready by Easter.

Another project Mr Hilton hopes to develop further using the added space is the hosting of weekly Pokemon and Yugioh card game tournaments. These games already attract a number of young people who pay £3 to enter the competition.

Mr Hilton aims to create a permanent gaming space at the back of his new shop with seating for about 30 people. He hopes to introduce evening tournaments for the adult focused card game, Magic: The Gathering.

Mr Hilton said "The new location will help because where we are at the moment in Anlaby Road there are a lot of pubs and things and it gets very noisy in the evening. It might be quieter in George Street, so I can hold events in the evening".

The property transactions were carried out by PPH Commercial on behalf of the landlord. Kath Barrett, of PPH, handled the negotiations and wished the staff at Archeron continued success and growth at the new premises.