ThinkGeek was once the go-to destination for all things geek, offering a vast range of merchandise from pop culture, movies, comics, and gaming. However, after its acquisition by GameStop and the subsequent closure of its online store, fans have been seeking new places to indulge their geeky passions. This article explores nine of the best ThinkGeek alternatives for those looking to satisfy their cravings for geek culture merchandise. Let’s dive into the world of these amazing stores and discover what makes them unique.
1. Entertainment Earth
1.1. Overview of Entertainment Earth
entertainmentearth.com is an online retailer specializing in pop culture merchandise, including action figures, collectibles, and more. Founded in 1996, the company has gained a reputation for providing an extensive range of products catering to various fandoms.
1.2. Unique features and product offerings
Entertainment Earth is known for its wide selection of licensed products from popular franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and DC Comics. The company also offers exclusive and limited-edition items, often hard to find elsewhere.
- Action figures
- Statues and busts
- Prop replicas
- Clothing and accessories
- Home and office decor
1.3. Pros and cons of shopping at Entertainment Earth
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide product range | Shipping costs can be high for international customers |
| Exclusive and limited-edition items | Prices may be higher than other retailers |
| Pre-order options available | Some items may sell out quickly |
2. Forbidden Planet
2.1. Overview of Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet is a UK-based retailer that has been catering to fans of comics, movies, and pop culture since 1978. With both an online store and physical locations, Forbidden Planet offers a diverse range of merchandise.
2.2. Exclusive merchandise and collectibles
Forbidden Planet boasts an impressive selection of exclusive items and collectibles from various franchises, such as Doctor Who, Star Trek, and Game of Thrones. Their product offerings include:
- Comic books and graphic novels
- Action figures and collectibles
- Clothing and accessories
- Board games and puzzles
- Home and office decor
2.3. Pros and cons of shopping at Forbidden Planet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive items not found elsewhere | UK-based, so international shipping costs may be high |
| Physical store locations for in-person shopping | Some items may have limited stock |
| Offers signed and limited-edition products | Currency conversion may affect pricing for non-UK customers |
3. BoxLunch
3.1. Overview of BoxLunch
BoxLunch is an American-based retailer offering a unique selection of pop culture merchandise, with a focus on giving back. For every $10 spent, BoxLunch donates a meal to a person in need through their partnership with Feeding America.
3.2. Philanthropic focus and product selection
BoxLunch offers a diverse range of products, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles from popular franchises like Disney, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Their philanthropic focus sets them apart from other retailers, making shopping there a feel-good experience.
- Apparel and accessories
- Collectibles and vinyl figures
- Home and office decor
- Toys and games
3.3. Pros and cons of shopping at BoxLunch
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Philanthropic focus | Limited range of products compared to other retailers |
| Offers exclusive items | Prices may be higher |
| Unique and stylish product designs | Shipping costs can be high for international customers |
4. SuperHeroStuff
4.1. Overview of SuperHeroStuff
SuperHeroStuff is a specialized online retailer focused on providing fans with superhero-themed merchandise. Launched in 1999, the store offers a vast range of products featuring characters from Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, and more.
4.2. Focused on superheroes and comic book characters
SuperHeroStuff’s product offerings primarily cater to fans of superheroes and comic book characters. Some of the items available include:
- T-shirts and apparel
- Accessories such as hats, wallets, and bags
- Collectibles and action figures
- Home and office decor
4.3. Pros and cons of shopping at SuperHeroStuff
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialized in superhero merchandise | Limited focus on superhero-themed items may not appeal to all geeks |
| Frequent sales and discounts | International shipping costs can be high |
| Wide range of products | Limited availability of certain items |
5. BigBadToyStore
5.1. Overview of BigBadToyStore
BigBadToyStore (BBTS) is a leading online retailer of collectible toys, action figures, and related merchandise. Established in 1999, BBTS offers a vast selection of products catering to various fandoms, from popular franchises to niche interests.
5.2. Wide range of collectible toys and action figures
BBTS offers a comprehensive selection of collectible toys and action figures from various franchises, including Transformers, Marvel, and Star Wars. Their product offerings include:
- Action figures and statues
- Prop replicas and collectibles
- Designer toys and vinyl figures
- Model kits and construction toys
- Board games and puzzles
5.3. Pros and cons of shopping at BigBadToyStore
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive selection of collectibles | Prices may be higher than other retailers |
| Pre-order options available | International shipping costs can be high |
| Frequent sales and discounts | Some items may sell out quickly |
6. Jinx
6.1. Overview of Jinx
Jinx is an online retailer specializing in gaming apparel and accessories. Founded in 1999, the company has built a reputation for creating high-quality products that cater to gaming enthusiasts.
6.2. Specializing in gaming apparel and accessories
Jinx offers a diverse range of gaming-related products, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles. Their product offerings primarily cater to fans of popular video game franchises such as:
- World of Warcraft
- Minecraft
- Overwatch
- The Witcher
6.3. Pros and cons of shopping at Jinx
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focused on gaming merchandise | Limited to gaming-related products |
| High-quality apparel and accessories | Prices may be higher than other retailers |
| Officially licensed products | International shipping costs can be high |
7. Qwertee
7.1. Overview of Qwertee
Qwertee is an online retailer that specializes in limited-edition, crowd-sourced t-shirt designs inspired by pop culture, movies, and video games. Established in 2010, Qwertee has become known for its unique and creative designs that cater to various fandoms.
7.2. Limited edition t-shirts and unique designs
Qwertee offers a new selection of limited-edition t-shirt designs every 24 hours, ensuring a constant stream of fresh and unique products for customers. Their product offerings include:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Prints and posters
- Accessories such as pins, hats, and bags
7.3. Pros and cons of shopping at Qwertee
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique and limited-edition designs | Limited product range compared to other retailers |
| New designs added daily | Designs available for a short time only |
| Affordable pricing | International shipping costs can be high |
8. NeatoShop
8.1. Overview of NeatoShop
NeatoShop is an online retailer that offers a wide range of products featuring designs from independent artists. Established in 2009, NeatoShop has become popular for its unique and creative product offerings, catering to various interests and fandoms.
8.2. Wide range of products and independent artist designs
NeatoShop offers an extensive selection of products, including clothing, accessories, and home decor items. Their products feature designs from independent artists, ensuring a unique and diverse range of options for customers. Some of their product categories include:
- Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops)
- Accessories (bags, hats, and phone cases)
- Home and office decor (posters, prints, and mugs)
8.3. Pros and cons of shopping at NeatoShop
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique designs from independent artists | Prices may be higher than other retailers |
| Wide range of products | International shipping costs can be high |
| Frequent sales and discounts | Limited availability of certain designs |
9. Sideshow Collectibles
9.1. Overview of Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles is a leading manufacturer and retailer of high-quality collectibles, statues, and prop replicas. Established in 1994, the company has built a reputation for creating premium products that cater to fans of movies, comics, and pop culture.
9.2. High-quality collectibles and limited editions
Sideshow Collectibles offers a diverse range of premium products, including limited-edition statues, busts, and prop replicas from popular franchises such as Marvel, DC Comics, and Star Wars. Some of their product offerings include:
- Statues and busts
- Sixth scale figures and premium format figures
- Prop replicas and collectibles
- Art prints and fine art pieces
9.3. Pros and cons of shopping at Sideshow Collectibles
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, premium collectibles | Prices can be significantly higher than other retailers |
| Limited-edition and exclusive items | International shipping costs can be high |
| Payment plans available for expensive items | Limited availability of certain items |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous ThinkGeek alternatives available for fans of geek culture merchandise. Each store offers its unique selection of products, catering to different interests and preferences. By exploring these alternatives, fans can continue to indulge their passions and support the creators and manufacturers that bring their favorite characters and franchises to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why did ThinkGeek close its online store? ThinkGeek closed its online store in 2019 after being acquired by GameStop. The brand’s products are now available through GameStop’s website and physical stores.
- What should I consider when choosing a ThinkGeek alternative? When choosing a ThinkGeek alternative, consider factors such as product range, pricing, shipping costs, and the availability of exclusive or limited-edition items.
- Are these alternatives safe and secure for online shopping? Yes, the alternatives mentioned in this article are reputable and trustworthy retailers that offer secure online shopping experiences.
- How do these alternatives compare to ThinkGeek in terms of pricing?
- Pricing can vary depending on the retailer and the specific products they offer. Some alternatives may have higher or lower prices than ThinkGeek. It’s essential to compare prices among different retailers to find the best deals.
- Can I find exclusive ThinkGeek products on these alternative websites? While some ThinkGeek products may be available on alternative websites, it’s essential to note that exclusive ThinkGeek items may be harder to find or no longer available.
- What are some tips for finding the best deals on geek culture merchandise? To find the best deals, consider the following tips:
- Sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to stay informed about sales and promotions.
- Follow retailers on social media for updates on new products and discounts.
- Compare prices among different retailers before making a purchase.
- Keep an eye out for limited-time offers and flash sales.
- Consider shopping during major sales events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, for potential discounts.