'We want every day to be a Pokémon day'

From a Pokémon pop-up stall to a permanent one, the love of the gaming cards is still soaring, according to market traders.

Tommy Simpson, 28, and his father Stephen Simpson, 58, started their stall recently and are now a permanent fixture on the front row at Norwich Market.

They buy, sell and trade the collectible cards alongside merchandise related to the global brand.

Despite Pokémon having been launched 30 years ago, the pair said hundreds of enthusiasts visit the stall every day and it had become like "a little community".

Pokémon is a globally recognised name, from games to TV and trading cards - it has had a huge influence on the world since it was created and launched in 1996.

The cards related to the popular Japanese animation franchise have risen in value over recent years.

The Simpson family has not exactly jumped on the bandwagon, with son Tommy having been a fan since his young nephews introduced him to it.

"We've been taking Pokémon around the country at different card shows and events," Tommy said.

"Every weekend we've had a card show and we wanted every day to be a card show."

They initially gave their market pop-up stall - Pokécraft - a try for two weeks, "and now we're in a permanent unit bringing our card shows to the public".

Tommy has even given up his day job in retail outlets to run the new business.

Dad Stephen - a builder - admitted he was "not the brains" behind the family endeavour and preferred to stay in the background supporting the business and ensuring stock and social media were looked after.

It is a fairly new world to him, as has only been involved in the fledgling business since Christmas.

"I encouraged [Tommy] to give up his day job and get on with it, if he was making money," he said.

Dad is only slightly "hooked" on Pokémon and currently collects some of the characters.

However, there appears to be plenty of love for Pokémon at the market.

"We're seeing a couple of hundred people a day - maybe more - it just seems very popular," said Stephen.

"It's become like a little community really - just in this short time - it's a bit of fun, isn't it?"

Tommy admitted he got into Pokémon through his young nephews "and now the only thing I have is Pokémon - I don't even think they're interested in it anymore - I've killed it for them".

But it is a "thing" for everyone, he maintained.

"There's no discrimination with Pokémon, it's all ages, all abilities and I think that's what I love about it."

When asked if he thought the love of the genre would go on, dad Stephen said: "One step at a time."

Tommy added: "At the end of the day, it's enjoyment and fun and that's what we want to keep it.

"We just hope everybody enjoys the journey with us."

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