A DAD’s “dream business” is already proving a huge hit as hundreds turned out for opening of his “independent geek” shop in Wickford. 

Paul Edwards, 44, is the owner of Geek Garage, which has gone from a hobby he started in his garage, to a high street store.

The business opened its doors for the first time last Saturday, with around 500 people turning out for the day.

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It is known for selling collectables and items such as Funko Pops, Loungefly, and Pokémon.

Paul started the business back in 2019 as online only, but as it started to grow, he began selling in person on Saturdays at Wickford Market.

Soon afterwards, he moved into a kiosk in Market Lane, Wickford –and it was there his business took off. Less than three years later, Paul has now made his “dream come true” by opening a site at 73 High Street, Wickford.

He said: “The reaction has been just crazy. I can’t really believe it.

“At the opening on Saturday, it was just chaos. We had more than 500 people turn up that day.

“I never expected to have that many people turn up at all and it has been like it all week really.

“I think it is because it is something different, something that is missing in the high street.

“Everyone seems to love it.”

Paul started his online business based on his love for cartoons and collectables, hence the name of Geek Garage.

The grand opening was on Saturday, April 15, and Paul said it was a very special day.

Essex cosplayers also came down for the opening day in various costumes and helped raise for Havens Hospices.

He added: “The goal of mine is still to make it a full-time job first.

“However, if it continues being successful like the first week has, it shows I could end up going on to open similar stores across Essex.

“It has just been mad. I was sitting in the store on Saturday, thinking this is actually mine. It doesn’t even feel like work.

“It is a hobby, that turned into a passion, and has now become a business. I just love it.”