Featured Image: ‘Retro Retreat’ store sign. | (Pacer Photo / Bryant Steele)

Since the closure of GameStop in Union City earlier this year, there has been no place for UT Martin students to go for collectible or gaming purposes. Unless they have tried their luck at local retailers like Walmart. There are no stores within an hour of campus. This was the case until seven weeks ago, when the go-to destination for collectors and gamers alike opened its doors.

Retro Retreat specializes in video games, Funko Pops, trading cards, comic books and more. Daniel Schaeffer II, a UT Martin alumnus and the sole proprietor of Retro Retreat, usually runs the shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week. If anything changes, the hours are updated on the store’s Instagram page (@the.retro.retreat.1999). Retro Retreat is located at 118 Hurt St. in Martin, TN.

When asked what customers can expect from the store, Schaeffer said, “It’s in the slogan. ‘Let us help you level up your collection.’”

The store has a very cozy energy to it. It’s minimalist in design, but as you look around, you can tell that there is more than meets the eye. The work that Schaeffer put into creating this spacious design—which feels genuine and welcoming—was well worth the payoff. The retro consoles and video games are in good condition and well-priced for what they are. The comics are either lined up neatly in glass cases or stacked on a shelf and put on display. According to Schaeffer, the merchandise is ever-changing. The store receives new products every week, some of them even coming from Schaeffer’s own personal collection.

At the heart of Retro Retreat is Daniel Schaeffer’s personal story. His love and passion for collecting items, specifically Pokémon cards, as a child led him to where he is now. He was able to turn his hobby into a business, making his dream come true. Schaeffer speaks with everyone who walks into the store; his friendly demeanor ensures customers that they have come to the right place. He’s making it possible for students to level up their collection without having to travel far. Schaeffer’s story is an inspiration to all young enthusiasts. No matter what your passionate about, as long as you put in the effort to make it come true, then it will.

When asked about future plans for the store, Schaeffer mentioned that he wants to hold Super Smash Bros. tournaments from time to time. He also spoke on expanding the store’s trading card collection. It was identified as Retro Retreat’s specialty and a division of focus for Schaeffer. Card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh and, of course, Pokémon can be expected to grow in number soon at Retro Retreat. By expanding the merchandise like this, Retro Retreat will likely bring in more customers who are members of those fandoms.

When asked what it feels like to finally have a store such as this in Martin, customer Wes Tyson said, “It’s awesome. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, actually.”

Speaking on returning to Retro Retreat anytime soon, another customer, Cedric Jones, replied, “Today definitely. Be it the Lord’s will.”

With an already growing fanbase and an ever-expanding collection, Retro Retreat is proving itself to be a competent business on the market. Schaeffer’s passion for his hobbies led him to support the former university that he once called home. From now on, the go-to destination for collectibles and video games in the Martin area will be the domain known as Retro Retreat.