Crowdfunding Scheme Could Mean 1 Up for Carlisle’s ‘Nerds’
A new venture is hoping to become the hub of Carlisle’s “nerd” culture – and they’ve set up a crowdfunding page to help them get there.
The newly opened, 1Up Comics and Collectibles on Carlisle’s Castle Street, is the joint venture of two self-confessed comic geeks. Marti Smith and Dan Barbour share a love of all aspects of “nerd” culture, so much so that they opened their own store, specialising in manga, comics, graphic novels, statues, clothing and various collectibles and trading card games.
Having already invested their own money into the business, they have set up a crowdfunding page and are hoping to raise £5,000 to allow them to fully stock and furnish the shop and bring in some new ideas. They have until 23 March to reach their target.
Marti, who has been involved in the culture for a while, travelling to conventions in London, explained: “We wanted to see what kind of driving force there was for this in Carlisle, to see if people wanted it to work.
“A lot of people come in and say ‘Carlisle really needs this’, and we hear them, we really wanted it too and that’s why we’re here.”
But as well as being a one-stop shop for everything nerdy, Marti and Dan want to develop the social aspect of 1Up Comics and Collectibles. They envision a hub, where people with common interests can relax and bond over something they enjoy, in a warm and friendly environment.
In the first six months, as well as fully stocking the store, they will introduce more seating areas, and start serving hot and cold drinks. By the end of the year they hope to have a designated gaming area set up, with an Xbox and a Wii for multiplayer gaming where people can socialise with friends – and maybe even make news ones.
And there are even plans to invest in an arcade machine and host tournaments in the store.
“It’s something we are passionate about, that is the main driving force behind it. Me and Dan both love this stuff, so we wanted to turn what we love to do into a business venture.”
He added: “We’ve had customers in here for two hours, just talking. I will give them nothing but recommendations, I’m that type of person, I just want people to enjoy what I enjoy, I want to get preferences out there.”
There are a number of rewards on offer for donors – ranging from free comics and merchandise to bronze, silver, gold and platinum gift boxes – depending on how much is pledged. If successful in reaching their crowdfunding target, they are committed to lowering all of their prices by up to 20 percent and will roll out a customer loyalty card.
So as the saying goes – be there or be, erm, square.
To donate go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/1upcomicscollectibles
Visit the 1Up Comics and Collectibles Facebook page @1UpStoreUk
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