On the south edge of Tonbridge high street shops, lies a world of trading cards, baord games, and passionate fandom. This is Planet JJs Geekery — a thriving local hub for collectors, gamers, and nerds of all stripes.
The shop’s journey began before the pandemic, when partners Jo and JJ started dreaming of a business that combined their passions. At first, it was going to be a comic book café — Jo’s talent for baking paired with JJ’s love for all things geeky. When that concept proved tricky, they reworked the idea into a board game cakery, eventually opening their doors in Tonbridge right after lockdown. Since then, Planet JJs has evolved in step with its community, gradually becoming the vibrant, multifandom space it is today.
A Universe of Fandoms
Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of trading card games, tabletop minis, role-playing kits, and a few nostalgic surprises. Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering dominate the shelves, joined by One Piece, Lorcana, Games Workshop, Universus, and Dungeons & Dragons. “We like to think we’ve got a bit of everything a geek or nerd could want,” says JJ, “and some things they might not expect.”
What truly sets Planet JJs apart, though, is its community. One standout moment came during the shop’s move to a larger space (previously by Lidl) — just across the road — when a stream of regulars showed up to help carry shelves, stock, and boxes. “It was unbelievable,” JJ recalls. “We were humbled. You can’t really plan for something like that. It showed us what this place means to people.”
Rolling Dice and Building Community
Events are a major part of life at the Geekery. On most nights — and weekends too — the shop transforms into a bustling social hub. Official Pokémon and MTG tournaments run alongside casual D&D nights and themed meetups. A few local players have even gone on to compete in regional tournaments thanks to the experience gained here. “We’re proud of that,” JJ adds. “It shows we’re doing something right.”
The Pokémon craze, in particular, shows no signs of slowing down. “It’s huge again,” JJ says. “Some products are nearly impossible to get at a fair price.” The shop takes a strong stance against scalping, keeping prices at or below retail wherever possible. “We want people to enjoy the hobby — not get priced out of it.”
A Personal Touch
As for what makes it onto the shelves, there’s no complex algorithm or market research. “It’s mostly gut feeling,” JJ admits. “We listen to our customers, try new things, and adapt.”
JJ’s own geek passion? No surprise — it’s Pokémon. From the trading card game to Pokémon GO and Pokémon Unite, he’s all in. He’s even forming a team to compete in the next European Internationals. “It’s a serious thing,” he grins. “But a fun one.”
Looking Ahead
While collaborations with other local businesses are still a work in progress, JJ hopes to build more connections in Tonbridge. “Being a unique kind of business can make that tricky. But we’re open to it.”
Running an independent geek shop isn’t without its challenges — from competing with major chains to explaining the value of a store like this to people unfamiliar with the culture. “Sometimes we feel like we’re not taken seriously,” JJ admits. “But our community gets it. That’s what keeps us going.”
Want to support Planet JJs? Sure, you can buy a booster pack or two — but following them on social media, sharing events, and spreading the word are just as valuable. Gift cards are available online, and every bit of local support helps keep the Geekery alive. “Without our community,” JJ says, “we wouldn’t be here.”
And the future? JJ stays tight-lipped. “We’ve got something exciting in the pipeline. Something for Tonbridge. Watch this space.”
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