New toys and collectables shop in Portsmouth's Cascades hopes to wow film and comic book fansÂ
SonnerToys has opened its first store in Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth.Â
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Hide AdThe store, set up by managing director Harry Strevens and named after a childhood nickname, is an official retailer of manufacturers including: Hot Toys, Sideshow, Funko, Hasbro, Titan, Tomy, McFarlane, and more.Â
Harry, 21, from Havant, said: '˜We at Sonner love the products we sell. We are huge geeks about all things film, comic, game and TV. We understand that for most, including ourselves, these hobbies act as a pleasant distraction from our normal lives. Something to appreciate.'Â
Harry was inspired to start the company after working at Toys R Us.Â
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Hide AdHe said: '˜After working there for about six months, I thought that I could do it better myself.'Â
Harry set about saving and used the money he made working at Toys R Us and Tesco to set up an online business three years ago, selling collectable toys through eBay and then branching out to his own site.Â
He said: '˜I know the industry very well, I know what collectors are looking for. Which is why I take it on myself to provide the very best service I possibly can.'Â
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Hide AdThe most popular item so far has been the Funko Friends range '“Â cartoon versions of the TV show characters '“Â and Gremlin merchandise.Â
His most expensive product is a £1,300 Hulk Buster '“ a collectable Iron Man model '“ and his Marvel Legends Infinity Gauntlet, priced at £165, has also been selling well. Â
Harry is also doing his bit for charity and he has set up a collection for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, where people can donate their toys to the children's charity through the shop, and he will match each donation with a toy.Â
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Hide AdThe shop will also be running Black Friday discounts tomorrow.Â
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Portsmouth is on the up with a record number of businesses opening and new events being held in the city.
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