Pokémon plays its cards right with Kieran's new collectables venture

A 22-year-old is riding the wave of the latest Pokémon revival by launching his own collectables store.

GG Trading Cards and Collectables, at Stonham Barns Park, stocks extremely rare cards from the beloved franchise that can sell for almost £1,000.

Owner Kieran Singleton has turned his hobby of gaming and collectables into a fully-fledged business, with big ambitions to open more branches across the country if it is successful.

Japanese series Pokémon is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, helped in part by the recent successes of mobile game Pokémon Go and a music video from local pop legend Ed Sheeran, who lives in Framlingham.

“The culture behind Pokémon Go is well known – we have all seen fans walking the streets, searching for and catching Pokémon. And you can also play in the comfort of your own home,” said Mr Singleton.

“The fact that Ed Sheeran has featured Pokémon in his latest release means anything could happen with the cards and collectables.

“We stock cards that sell from anywhere between 30 pence to £850.

“Globally, a card that was wanted by an extreme collector once sold for £6 million, which shows the demand for the series.”

He does not only stock Pokémon products, however – fans of everything Lego, Funko, Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Harry Potter can find something to spark their interest.

“The quirkier the products the better,” said Mr Singleton, who sources many of his products from gaming exhibitions and shows.

“The kids from the past become the collectors of the future. It’s a thing that stays with you through life.”

After a successful launch, Mr Singleton has a dream to open branches up and down the country.

“We have customers as young as three and four years old and some who are in their 50s and 60s,” he added. “It appeals to so many people.

“One day, I’d love to have multiple shops in different locations that could supply more customers around the country.”