Gaming Craze Fuels Popular Shop's Expansion In Baltimore County

PIKESVILLE, MD — A growing popularity in the collectible card and gaming community is seeing one Pikesville shop expanding its footprint to meet demand in Baltimore County.

Located at 1319 Bedford Ave. in the Pikesville Shopping Center, The Game Haven of Maryland doubled its footprint and now accounts for 8,000 square feet of space.

The specialty shop previously operated from a 3,500 square foot space, according to a release issued Monday. The lease expansion and extension was signed with Hill Management Services.

The store is co-owned by Dorian Newcomb, a creative director for a game studio start-up firm, and cybersecurity specialist Jeremy Peggins. The pair founded the company in 2016.

Not only does the store sell collectible gaming cards, miniatures and board games, but it also hosts a variety of events, such as gaming sessions and tournaments for fans of both Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering.

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Newcomb said in a statement that the store has seen an uptick in customers across a wide-ranging age group.

"We attract consumers primarily from a 10 to 15-mile radius — and sometimes farther away — but the increased interest is undeniable and we desperately needed more room to accommodate the audiences," he said.

"If you would walk in on any given day, but especially weekends, you would notice 30-year-olds who are nostalgic about their Pokémon collection, 10-year-olds who are just discovering the activity, and the young person’s grandparents who are looking for a shared experience opportunity."

Newcomb said gaming sessions held by the shop help "tear down boundaries and promote togetherness and camaraderie."

"We strive to create an environment built on respect — harnessing the opportunity that a shared interest in playing games together provides — building bridges and creating a positive sense of belonging," he said.

The shop is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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