BY EVA MAYS
Grant Prodan and Cody Riggins once worked together at Game Station, a video game store that used to be in the Suncrest Towne Centre in Morgantown. Throughout their employment, the two had many opportunities to see how strong the market was for certain items, such as retro video games and Pokémon cards.
When the Game Station closed in 2017, Prodan and Riggins decided to take what they had learned and dive into that market themselves.
“We thought it would be something fun to do on the side. Something that could maybe one day blossom into a living for us,” Prodan said.
In 2019, Pure Collectibles opened its doors at 5000 Green Bag Road, Space 17, in Mountaineer Mall. The shop specializes in pop culture collectibles, retro toys and action figures, sports cards and memorabilia, board games, Magic the Gathering cards, Pokémon and video games.
Prodan (Riggins is no longer associated with the business) saw the already hot market for collectibles explode exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People were at home, going through their old Pokemon or Magic cards and wanted to get back into it because there was little else to do,” Prodan said. “Or they couldn’t spend the money they had earmarked for sports by going to games, so they put it into cards.”
Wesley Walls, of Clarksburg, has been an avid collector of action figures and toys for over 30 years. He reports stumbling across Pure Collectibles a few years ago when visiting another nearby store and has since become a frequent patron.
“The owner is very knowledgeable and goes out of his way to make sure you receive a great product for an excellent price,” Walls said. “It is also a great place to go down memory lane. I like to see pieces of my childhood kept in great condition.”
Pure Collectibles buys and trades collectibles, as well as sells them. Prodan recommends anyone wanting to sell or trade items should complete some light research to get a basic idea of current market value before bringing it into the store. Prodan also gathers information.
“If someone brings in a toy I haven’t encountered before, I’ll do my own research and come to a conclusion on what kind of deal we can work out,” he said.
The shop is open from noon-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays. Prodan is happy to serve collectors of all ages and experience levels. He said he sees a lot of father-and-son duos come into the store together to bond over a shared love of collectibles.
“I can’t tell you the countless families I’ve seen coming in, looking to complete their Pokémon sets together.” He added, “I’m the owner and I’m always here, so I’m able to help individuals and families directly.”
Prodan has leaned into the learning curve of opening a business and taking over sole ownership all in the space of a few years. He is looking forward to hosting special events, such as sports card signings with local athletes. He is also on the lookout for new opportunities for the store as they arise.
“I’ve enjoyed it since I’ve opened and I’m still enjoying it to this day,” he said. “I just kinda go into each day waiting to see what the day will bring. I like having that unexpected adventure ahead of me.”
