PokéNOLA represents the evolution of family entertainment, a journey that began in May 2004 with CEO and Owner Scott Sigur, who founded ICE Computer Cafe. Initially conceived as a children's gaming center, ICE featured over 50 state-of-the-art gaming systems,  hosted monthly overnight lock-ins, summer camps, and weekly birthday parties. Many local children grew up at ICE, cherishing fond memories of their childhood, while now visiting the same location to shop for trading cards.

 

However, the onset of COVID-19 significantly impacted the business, as its core concept centered on bringing children together, resulting in a substantial decline in customers.

 

Faced with the necessity to adapt or risk closure, the business pivoted. Fortunately, ICE's small computer repair division began to thrive during the pandemic. While this segment continued to grow, Scott found that his passion for computer repair did not match his enthusiasm for providing unique family entertainment experiences to the local community.

 

In 2022, a close friend introduced Scott to Pokémon trading cards, igniting his passion for the artwork that resonated with New Orleans culture. This rekindled interest also connected him to his long-standing hobby of collecting sports cards from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, a collection that he still owns, comprising both sealed and individual cards. All of which were purchased from a local card shop just blocks away, also on West Metairie Ave. This connection was the spark Scott needed to begin putting together a business plan that would bring back not just a card shop to West Metairie Ave., but something you can make a memory in!

 

The engaging artwork and vibrant community surrounding Pokémon cards provided the inspiration Scott needed to return to his hobby, now as a local game store owner. This opportunity allowed him to merge two passions into one venture, leading to the creation of PokéNOLA Collectibles. 

 

PokéNOLA is not your typical card shop. Our mission is to immerse customers in a uniquely New Orleans Inspired Entertainment Trading Card Game Store. While shopping, customers can try their luck at our prize redemption machines, which are filled with a variety of trading card game packs, boxes, graded slabs, gift cards and more!  

 

As you arrive at our location, you will be greeted by vibrant window artwork, hand-drawn by a talented New Orleans artist, which tells the story of the PokéNOLA Professor, Scott. The store is well-lit, located in a very safe area, and offers plenty of parking for our customers. Upon entering, you will always be welcomed by a member of the Professor's family, his wife Nicolle, and their son Brenton, alongside a dedicated team of 4-6 part-time staff members who ensure smooth operations and a memorable experience for you. The store shelves are always filled with tons of Pokémon trading cards, both English & Japanese, along with the new Disney Lorcana TCG and ever so popular One Piece TCG. We also stock all the TCG accessories you need to start your collecting journey. We have a HUGE singles section and carry tons of graded slabs. We even buy/trade ALL Pokémon, Disney Lorcana & One Piece TCG for cash or in-store credit towards new releases. The kids love trading with the Professor! 

 

What we are most proud of is our Museum of Nostalgia. It's not just about selling, it's about sparking those childhood memories that make us all collectors! You will love our store collection! It has inspired many of our customers to begin their own sealed collection at home. We call it the "PokeNOLA Professor's Retirement Plan". And NO, it's not for sale. For now, at least!

 

PokéNOLA is proud to be ranked among the Top 10 Trading Card Game Stores in sales for our region, which means strong product allocations for the items you need to enhance your collection. These strong allocations allow PokeNOLA to always offer the latest products well below the current market value. Ordering online or shopping in person from an etablished brick and mortar store, owned & operated by a family who has been in the same location since 2004 is something our customers can trust! That's over 20 years of successful business experience and excellent customer service! 

 

Thank you so much, and we look forward to meeting you on your collecting journey.

Scott, Nicolle & Brenton Sigur