Gidget’s Game Room opens July 2

By Ann Smith
Reporter

There is literally a new game in town! Longtime resident Jenny Kirchner and partner Nicole Smith-Merry will be opening Gidget’s Game Room Friday, July 2. In the past, the space housed a video store.

As it happens, Kirchner is a former journalist and photographer for the Idyllwild Town Crier. She learned much of her photography skill from her dad. He dated a woman who was a photographer and she introduced photography to them both.

The acquired skill followed Kirchner into adulthood, providing a livelihood. She has worked as a photojournalist and freelance photographer for close to a decade. Kirchner watched her mother Phyllis Brown operate the successful Prairie Dove boutique as a single mom, inspiring Jenny to forge her way in an independent lifestyle.

When asked why a game room Kirchner responded, “Three or four years ago, I was doing freelance work with a property management company. The people I was working for opened an arcade for kids. I decided I wanted to open a space with retro games and virtual games, something for kids and families to do together and a place to hang out. All ages can participate in the games we’ll have.”

According to the Facebook page, Gidget’s Game Room will have pool tables, virtual reality, arcade games, Play Station 4 and so much more. Snacks, sodas, prizes, raffles, tournaments and more will be available.

Smith-Merry grew up on the other side of the country in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended school in Philadelphia and moved to the Gettysburg area. This licensed professional counselor attended Chestnut Hill College and Shippensburg University.

When asked how long they were in the planning stages of the store Kirchner responded, “To be honest, we went back and forth on what we wanted to do. The space we’re in had been available for months. It’s a good location and was previously a video store.”

Gidget’s Game Room will be selling new merchandise, sports cards, Magic cards, Pokéman cards and sporting goods of all sorts. They’ll add new items as they progress.

Smith-Merry added that with her background working with children this would be a good fit. Neither have direct retail experience.

Gidget’s Game Room is located at 54391 Village Center Dr., #4 and is open Friday through Tuesday. The game room is open from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The game room will accept credit cards. For more information, call 951-659-1616.