GAMERS in Bristol are crushed as the city's beloved gaming store shuts its doors for the second time in a year – and this time, it's game over for good.
Geek Retreat Bristol manager, Liam, shared on social media the “tough decision” to close the hub for card fans, Pokémon enthusiasts and gamers looking to connect.
Liam wrote: “After a lot of thought, I’ve made the tough decision to close the Bristol store.
“When I took on both and Newport, I genuinely believed I could give both sites the time and attention they deserved – even with 30 miles between them.
“But life changes, and trying to manage both stores across two cities while handling personal things has become too much to do well.
“This isn’t a reflection on Geek Retreat or the brilliant communities we’ve built – it’s a reflection on what I can realistically manage right now.
“I believe in the Geek Retreat model and what it brings to local communities, which is why I’ll be focusing all my energy on making Newport the very best it can be.
“To everyone who supported Bristol – thank you. Your community spirit meant everything, and I’m hopeful we’ll be back in the city in a new format very soon.”
Liam added: “In the meantime, your nearest Geek Retreat stores are in and Newport, both home to friendly teams and welcoming communities.
“You can spend your v£'s at either store, or with selected retailers through the Geek Retreat app.”
Gamers took to to express their disappointment.
“Totally understandable. I will miss our chats,” wrote one person.
“Always sad to see a community space close up in Bris, big love from the Hoard café team and best of luck with your other space,” one user said.
Another commented: “Hire me I'll manage the store for you.”
Both Geek Retreat Bristol and Greek Retreat Newport first opened their doors in 2022 as part of the UK-wide chain of franchised shops and board game cafés.
The Bristol store's closure comes just a year after it temporarily shut down when the previous managers left.
It was given a second life last July when manager Liam took the reins.
But the Bristol shop is not the only Geek Retreat location to close its doors – dozens across the UK have shut down in the past few years, including in , and .
Geek Retreat opened its first store in in 2013 and grew to as many as 57 outlets in 2022.
But that number has since dropped to just 21, according to the Geek Retreat UK website.
