‘Dark Realms, what a rare find and a breath of fresh air this store is. A large variety of products at great prices,” was a recent customer review. ‘Both Andi and Nigel are friendly, welcoming, genuine people, and go above and beyond to help in whatever way possible.’
The compliments flow for Nigel Swan and Andrena Bidgood at their Dark Realms in Market Street, Wisbech, which was officially re-opened on Saturday following a revamp.
It even attracted Mayor Cllr Sidney Imafidon along to perform the official ‘re-opening’, less than 18 months after his predecessor as Mayor, Cllr Susan Wallwork opened it for the first time.
It is definitely a shop that attracts interest – and the pair remain grateful to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
For it was Combined Authority’s Start and Grow programme from the Growth Hub, that supported their bid to open the Wisbech shop.
“They were amazed by the support on offer,” a Combined Authority spokesperson revealed at the time.
“It included grant funding to help kit out the shop with display racks, shelving as well as an EPOS till and counter display cabinets and a printing machine for T shirts, mugs and hats.
“The funding also helped with advertising for the shop opening, which is working in bringing customers in, along with their location in a popular part of the town.”
Nigel said: “We were really grateful for the funding that Start and Grow provided through the programme as it helped us to get up and running with the shop.
“We want the shop to be more than a retail outlet, offering the local community somewhere to come for a chat and our future plans potentially include opening a goth style café where like-minded people can relax in a friendly environment.”
The eclectic range of stock has proved immensely popular and with an extended range of goth, punk and heavy metal clothing, homeware and gifts, the couple hope Dark Realms will continue to flourish.
The couple moved from Essex around more than two years ago, wanting to set up their own business and initially looked into running an animal sanctuary, but repeated requests from people that they bumped into for where they had bought their T shirts from, prompted them to rethink that decision, especially after the house they purchased did not have enough land for their original plan.
“Neither of us had run our own business before,” Nigel said ahead of the store’s initial opening. “However, we started to ask people what they would like us to stock in the shop and we have built a good following on Facebook for our idea.”
The pair initially took a stall at the Wisbech Rock Festival to help promote their business which was popular, selling a limited range of stock to show potential customers the type of goods on offer.
“We’ve had customers aged six to 92 years old and many have heard about us in the local area or popped in while they were in town,” said Nigel.
“Without the grant from the Start and Grow programme, we wouldn’t have been able to get the shop running,” said Nigel. “The money really helped us to achieve our dream to open a business and the process has helped bring our family together, working to make it happen.”
Other recent reviews of Dark Realm include these:
Andy & Nigel are the nicest people you will meet. always helpful and knowledgeable and talented! they have some beautiful crystals and can make any resin ornament that your heart desires!
My house is looking more sparkly every time I buy something from them, and I truly can’t imagine my life without these guys and their products go and check out their shop, I guarantee you won’t leave empty handed or without a smile on your face
Such lovely people, amazing goodies that I could easily spend all my wages on would definitely recommend!!
Only just found out about this little treasure of a shop! Me and my daughter have been in a few times now always so welcoming, my little girl is 2 years old and fully obsessed and fascinated by crystals! And loves walking around and taking all the gems and candles etc in…highly recommend taking a little trip here!
What a fantastic shop! There are not many places anymore that you can go in and actually feel so invited and welcomed.
As someone who was very new to crystals, Andi and Nigel were fantastic at explaining different things, how they work, and you never feel pressured to buy anything. There is such a range of items, crystals, herbs, incense, ornaments, clothing all at a fantastic price.
The clothing is of a high quality and lasts!
The other amazing thing about this store, is that if there is something you want/need, Andi and Nigel will search and try to source what you need (obviously within reason!) they do anything they can for their customers, which is what makes this store one of the best in Wisbech.
Definitely 100000000% recommend to anyone. There is something for everyone. Pop in and have a look, you will be surprised
A very addictive little shop, it sells amazing Gems, candles incense sticks and so many other things. I had Been looking for a shop of its kind locally for some time. But it’s not just what the shop sells! The building is haunted! And if you love spooks and pick up on their energy, you feel drawn to it. I have been to a few organised evening events there and never been disappointed.
And what also makes it such a welcoming little place are the people who run it. They are kind and knowledgeable and always have time for their customers and people that are interested in the building, or just to pop in for a chat.
They support many charities and events. And the spiritualism is an interest my husband and I share so we will continue to support it the best we can.
Absolutely lovely guys! And the products are amazing. So glad we have something like this in Wisbech. Couldn’t fault them.
They are the nicest people never judge and always very helpful and insightful will go out of their way to help and a very friendly atmosphere I would recommend to anyone who likes crystals or alternative pieces.
