Scarborough 17-year-old turns Pokemon obsession into opportunity with new store

Scarborough TEC performing arts student Alfie Parry has, by his own admission, been ‘obsessed’ with Pokemon for more than 10 years.

Alfie started by watching the popular Japanese TV show at the age of six, and soon began to play games from the series on his Nintendo DS.

The trading card game followed and it wasn’t long before Alfie was spending all of his pocket money on the popular cards.

Soon, an idea bloomed, and Alfie approached his parents with the idea of opening a store in Scarborough solely concentrated on trading the cards associated with the global phenomenon.

Alfie’s mum Lauren said: “He said to us, ‘if I could open my own Pokemon shop it would be the best job in the world’.

“He started with a stall at Scarborough Sci-Fi Convention and the engagement was huge - really positive. So many people said they wished he had a shop, so we’ve gone ahead and created one.”

Alfie and his parents found the perfect premises, a shop at 32b Raleigh Road, and have spent the last few weeks creating Krabby Collects, the perfect haven for Pokemon fans.

Initially the shop will sell trading cards only, from Pokemon singles for those looking for rarer cards (Alfie will have several cards available valued at hundreds of pounds) - to sealed packs and Elite Trainer Boxes, but plans are in place to expand the range, depending on customer demand.

Krabby Collects will also provide a gaming space with drinks and snacks available for gamers who want to challenge other like-minded fans to a game or two.

Players of other games such as Magic The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons and Yu-Gi-Oh will also be welcome at the venue.

Alfie said: “The space will be open to anyone who wants to play anything. Come along, relax and talk to people.

“People will also be welcome to come along and trade with us, we’ll pay 60% cash value or offer 75% in store credit.”

Krabby Collects will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am-8pm. Find out more on the Facebook page.