Business on the cards
Just when you thought the variety of shops on Gloucester Road couldn’t get more diverse, along comes one that stands out as unique. Trade Off TCG specialises in selling Pokémon cards – collectible Japanese cards featuring fictional creatures.
The store represents a new venture for local lads Kieran Williams and Greg Herbert, who both grew up in Bishopston. Sited directly opposite the junction with Ashley Down Road, it has a striking white interior, showcasing racks of Pokémon merchandise.
Greg says: “We’ve had a great reaction so far – everyone says the shop is clean, bright and welcoming.
“We’re hoping to build a community and stage local events. We’re definitely in it for the long term.”
As Trade off TCG (short for Trading Card Games) the pair have already held one successful event this year. The Bristol Card Convention was staged at the Prospect Building in St Philips in May a day before they opened the Gloucester Road shop. A similar event is planned for November.
Pokémon cards first came on the market in Japan in 1996 as a development from the Nintendo game originally called Pocket Monsters. Since then, more than 1,000 different cards have been printed. At Trade Off TCG, prices range from just a few pounds to more than £1,000. It’s no surprise then that they’re all kept in locked cabinets with new metal shutters protecting the store when it’s closed.
