From market to opening day madness - the catch n collect story.

In the mid 90's, Pokémania took the world by storm, starting in Japan as a game for the Nintendo Game Boy and slowly making it's way internationally over the next few years into more games, an anime series, merchandise and a trading card game. Who would have thought that 30 years later, it would still have such popularity, a loyal following and the residents of Sudbury, Suffolk, would be treated to their very own Pokémon shop?

Back in September last year, Myles Morley decided to take his love and knowledge of all things Pokémon, especially trading cards, to Sudbury Market and Sudbury immediately showed that their interest and passion matched his.

As his business, Catch n Collect, gained popularity, Myles began trading every Saturday and alternative Thursdays, eventually taking a step down from his Manager role at Waitrose, to give his Pokémon business the attention it needed.

Fast forward to March and Catch n Collect have now moved just down the road to their first shop at 48 Gaol Lane, and it is already as much as a hit as the stall was, with customers queueing an hour before opening.

We popped down to speak to Myles on a quieter, although still busy, week day, to ask him about his Catch n Collect experience.

Myles explained that he was travelling 45 minutes to get to his nearest Pokémon card shop so, decided that Sudbury needed something similar of it's own. He continued, "So I contacted the Council to find out if they had any space on their market. I kind of wanted to test the waters there before I went fully into a shop and they welcomed me with open arms, were really helpful with getting me started and 6 months later, here we are!"

When asked about the support the people of Sudbury have given to his endeavour, Myles said, "The people of Sudbury are definitely into their Pokémon! Everyone's been so supportive. I've got regulars that come down every week and I've got new people from Sudbury that are coming down. I've got a seating area in here, so people are playing the game with each other, people are making friends with each other. It's really nice to just see people bonding over something that they all like, which is Pokémon"

When telling us about the first day madness, Myles recalled "That was not what I expected! I think the first people started queuing about quarter past nine and we had that long queue until about 3 o'clock and then it was still busy in here. There was a queue out the door, it was crazy".

This is another welcome addition to our high percentage of independent businesses in Sudbury and we wish Myles all the best with Catch n Collect. To see it grow from a stall on our Market to a bright, welcoming shop for Pokémon fans to meet, play and enjoy has been a pleasure.

Pop in and see for yourself Wednesday and Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 12pm-8pm and Saturday 10am-5pm at 48 Gaol Lane, Sudbury.

Thinking of trading on Sudbury Market? Follow this link to apply: Sudbury Market | Sudbury Town Council