Bomb survivor opens Geek Merchandise store at Market Place

11 Dec 2018 04:19

Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton is pleased to announce the opening of another fantastic independent store in the centre’s new Project KISS unit on the upper floor of the centre.

Friking is an international clothing and merchandise brand with unique and creative designs aimed at the pop/geek/gaming/anime culture.

In 2018 Friking launched in the UK and has since become a leading brand for every fandom and culture in the clothing and merchandise market.

Sam Hughes, the Co-Founder of Friking, was the youngest victim of the 1996 Manchester IRA bombing. A photographer took a picture live from the scene of Sam which later appeared on newspaper front pages all around the world.

A true fighter with incredible drive, Sam has big ambitions for the brand and wants Friking to become the leading retailer in the UK for geek merchandise and clothing within the next 10 years.

With a mixture of original designs and official branded merchandise, Friking offers fans a vast range of awesome products from a wide spectrum of genres. There is something for every fandom, no matter the age in terms of clothing, designs, accessories and merchandise.

Friking will be based in the Market Place’s Project KISS unit, which supports local and community based retailers starting their business in a focussed and productive environment. Market Place provides the ‘ready to go’ environment for three to four operators to trade from, in one location, offering a solid base from which to grow.

Friking sits alongside Roscoe’s Cakes in the Project KISS unit currently, with more independents due to open in the unit early next year.

CEO and co-founder of Friking UK Sam Hughes said: ‘After doing our research we decided that Market Place was the place to be. I found many of the other areas around Manchester just didn’t have the same vibe and atmosphere you get in Bolton.

"Everyone is so friendly and there is a real sense of community. I also adore the architecture of the Centre, it’s just such a fabulous building and The Vaults are just incredible!”

Nikki Wilson-Cook, Centre Manager, Market Place said: “Sam the co-founder is hugely impressive – at such a young age he has a very clear vision of what he wants to achieve with this brand. Friking has a very loyal following and brings a brand new dimension to the Market Place offer. We are proud to support local enterprises and our Project KISS unit continues to bring some incredible independent brands to the people of Bolton.”

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