Southend Geek Vault opens in Royals Shopping Centre

Targeting comic book lovers and self-defined “geeks” living in the city, the new Geek Vault has thrown open its doors in the shopping centre, replacing the former vape and e-cigarette shop Vuse Inspiration.

Alex Wallace, who runs the store alongside his brother, Scott, and sister, Iona, has praised the Royals’ owners and believe the location will help them “breathe life back into the high street”.

Geek Vault - The new store in the Royals (Image: Brad Bailey)

It comes as the owners of the Royals also advertise for a firm to step in and run a new “grab and go” two-storey cafe in the shopping centre.

Alex said: “They were excellent, they approached us because of our branding, and they loved what we had.

“They gave us the opportunity to breathe some life into the area and we hope we are doing that, every time people come in, we get the reaction of jaws dropping. It has been very positive.”

The business sells memorabilia relating to Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Star Trek and much more, with the siblings being “avid collectors.”

Alex added: “We are hoping we will stay and we plan to as long as the community is willing to.”

Captain - Alex cosplaying as Starbuck from Battlestar Gallactica (Image: Brad Bailey)

Southend Labour councillor responsible for business, Matt Dent, believes the Royals is getting “back on track” after being impacted by high-profile closures such as Debenhams.

He said: “It is certainly good for the whole city if they are back on track, the Royals has had a less than ideal last few years but it is good to see more shops opened.

“I am very keen to see new businesses rather than empty units, what I would really like is interesting, independent and different businesses, like the Geek Vault.

“It serves a niche not being served.”

He added: “It is good to see the Royals getting back, it and the Victoria Shopping Centre are the anchors the High Street.”