Retro Realm and Attic in the Moon move to Sailmakers

Retro Realm and The Attic in the Moon are set to open in one premise in Sailmakers.

Both businesses are currently situated in Microshops in Carr Street, with Retro Realm opening in 2021, just after the Covid pandemic, and The Attic in the Moon opening last year.

Scott Brand from Retro Realm. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Scott Brand, 46, owner of Retro Realm, said: "I am a massive collector, I love everything from the 80s, the 90s and being a collector, I thought there wasn't anything in Ipswich for someone like us as a collector, so I thought I would open a shop and Microshops has made it so easy for me to do that.

"Sailmakers is now the next big step, and it was a great opportunity and Ipswich needs it.

"Ipswich needs local businesses to rejuvenate the town centre."

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Lena King, owner of The Attic in the Moon. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Lena King, 49, owner of The Attic in the Moon, an enchanting gift shop filled with crystals, candles and salts, said: "I'm so excited.

"It's an opportunity that came up and I couldn't miss it, and I had to give it a go.

"I'm really happy, and it is great to see Sailmakers supporting independent businesses."The Attic in the Moon sells all things from dream catchers to candles. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

The shop will open next door to the soon-to-open The Nerd Hut shop opposite HMV on the first floor, another shop that is moving out of Microshops.

Mr Brand continued: "Lena and I have a really good friendship, and something we have noticed too, is that our customers like coming to both shops.

"Boys enjoy coming to my shop and looking at the retro games and collectables, and then the women enjoy looking at the candles and things, so it works really well.

Retro Realm sells retro video games and collectables. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

"It will be contrasting in there, Lena's is more spiritual and rustic, and my shop is neon lights and a throwback to the 80s and 90s, but I think we will work really well together."

Both Lena and Scott grew up in the 80s and 90s in Ipswich, and recall how the town was booming during those times, and they want to see that return to Ipswich.

They are hopeful the shop will open in early August.

Scott Brand and Lena King will both be opening a new shop in Sailmakers. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)