Proud Lion 2.0 - moving day!

by Ben Fardon

Goodbye old friend...

5pm on Saturday 26th April marked the last day of trading from our original premises on Albion Street. Just over six years and one month after I first opened the doors, we spent a lovely day serving comics, graphic novels, games, collectables and other delights to our customers, before turning the key and cashing up.

Then the hard work really began.

Over the course of the next few hours, we packaged up stock, disconnected IT equipment and dismantled furniture. By the end of the night, we were all exhausted but Proud Lion was ready to ship across town.

This morning, we hauled ourselves out of bed and reconvened. Assisted by a van, several cars and a workforce of fantastic friends, we loaded up and set off for pastures new. By the time we'd finished, the old premises looked pretty desolate (pictured right).

8 St George's Place though is definitely taking shape! There's a lot more to do, but I'm pleased to announce that Proud Lion will be trading from 8 St George's Place as of next week. We'll be closed tomorrow as usual, plus Tuesday to get a chance to get everything ship-shape.

Here's a sneak peek at the new sales counter

Proud Lion will re-open in our new premises (that's 8 St George's Place, have I mentioned?) on Wednesday 30th April at 10am. It will be new comics day, and we'll have a treasure trove of new titles including the all-new Amazing Spider-Man #1, the new Atomic Robo, Jason Aaron's Southern Bastards, plus the fourth issues of Serenity: Leaves On The Wind and Batman Eternal, and the finale of Origin II. We'll also have the second deluxe expansion for Netrunner, Honor and Profit!

New release comics section taking shape

It will be business as usual, just in a brand new location. I'm very excited to be able to welcome you to our new home!

Don't forget, this Saturday is Free Comic Book Day! If you want your free #swag, you'll have to come and find the new shop. We'll be over on 8 St George's Place, opposite Badlands Records!

Thank you to everyone who has helped us over this weekend: Rae, Kiddo, my Dad, Andy, Kieran, Jamie, Christina, Duncan and Gideon (never underestimate the moral support of a friendly face and kind words!), Lex, Jo and Liam! Furthermore, huge thanks to everyone who offered to help as well. Even if we didn't call on your services, it was greatly appreciated to feel like we were working with a net!

See you next week. At 8 St George's Place!

Ben Fardon has a fun way to remember the new postcode, that apparently highlights his upbringing in Wiltshire.