NOT many teenagers can say they are successful business owners – especially in today’s economic climate.

But that’s precisely what 17-year-old Emrys can boast as he is celebrating the one year anniversary of his game store, New Realities Gaming.

The family-owned business, in Fisherton Street, specialises in board and trading card games and has become a hub for gamers of all ages from Salisbury and beyond.

Owner Emrys is somewhat of a Pokémon aficionado himself, as he played the Japanese card game at a high enough level to receive an invitation to play at the Pokémon World Championships, which helped fund his business venture.

The teen, who has high functioning autism, said he found outside environments such as schools extremely challenging but the Pokémon trading card game was an early passion of his and travelling to game stores to play trading card games was one of the few activities which gave him the ability to leave the house.

New Realities Gaming shop front on Fisherton Street Picture: New Realities Gaming

Following reaching the World Championships, he received a large amount of unique products for participating which he realised he could sell to help fund the creation of a business, along with help from his family.

Since opening its doors nearly a year ago, New Realities Gaming has become a safe space for gamers of all ages to meet others and play in person away from the computer, with a focus is on in-person table-top games including board games and trading card games such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.

It provides an alternative to the usual pub, cinema and restaurant options with their daily events and open play area.

The store has grown to become an open space to learn and play new games with others they meet through the shop’s community across various social media platforms such as Discord and Facebook.

“It’s our goal to create a welcoming space and foster a community where people interested in various geek cultures such as trading card games, board games, Dungeons & Dragons and anime can come together, have fun, and share their love for the games we all enjoy,” said Emrys.

“We can’t thank everyone in the Salisbury community enough for embracing our store and helping us grow, we look forward to celebrating this milestone and looking ahead to another event filled year of games with everyone who has supported us.”

The store has seen a successful first year Picture: New Realities Gaming

The store, located at 142 Fisherton Street, will host a special event on the weekend of August 3-4 to mark this milestone and thank the community that has built up over this past year for its constant support.

This includes special discounts to encourage new players, special anniversary tournaments with exciting prizes and open tables for casual gaming and learn-to-play, as well as extended opening hours on the Sunday (10am – 6pm) to allow more time for events.

Whilst the past year has been challenging in terms of cost of living, and more locally with the roadworks on Fisherton Street, the store has gradually grown their events and communities around table-top games.