Former taxi driver opens new Pokémon shop in Blackwood
Perry Morgan, from Abertillery, has opened Valley Cards TCG in Blackwood.
He said he was inspired to open the shop by his daughters.
Mr Morgan said: "They loved Pokémon and card trading and they grew and moved out – leaving the cards and stuff behind.
"That was my inspiration.
"It seems like there's a Pokémon desert in this part of Gwent so I decided to do something about that."
The shop opened on Friday, April 25.
Mr Morgan said that on the opening day, the shop attracted visitors from all over Wales.
He said: "We've had people from Port Talbot and Pontypridd and queries from over the border.
"We are about being a hub for collectors and want to branch into a hub for all kinds of collectible cards."
Tammy Wort, an enthusiast, helps Perry get the shop up and running (Image: Damian Edmunds) Mr Morgan plans to also trade in football cards, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Dragonball Z cards.
He said that many people have "treasure" in their attics.
He said: "Kids move and leave an attic full of potential treasure.
"Full sets of cards can have significant worth and there's a world of enthusiasts who want those cards."
Customer Tom Moriarty, from Bargoed, said: "I bought a Prismatic Evolution set and other fan stuff too.
"It's great to have something like this in the area."
Customer Tom Moriarty with his goods (Image: Damian Edmunds) The shop is now open for "global interest" as described by Mr Morgan.
TCG stands for Trading Card Games.
Mr Morgan's prized possession is a Pokémon Sword and Shield, Evolving Skies series.
The series has a significant value and is not kept in the Blackwood shop.
He said that he is "nearly 30 in Pokémon years."
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