Collectibles are seemingly more popular than ever right now, and local businesses trafficking in Pokémon and other collectibles are seeing surging business. With this as the backdrop, the former POKENOLA collectibles store recently announced plans to expand and rebrand as NOLA TCG Experience. Set to be located at 7056 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, the new store will feature a bigger selection of collectibles, seating for up to 36 game players, concessions, an immersive walkthrough museum, and a limited-edition Pokémon pinball machine.
The POKENOLA store was recently given the title of Best Collectible Store in Jefferson Parish for 2026 by the Times-Picayune. The store regularly hosted gaming sessions and collectible release events. Owner Scott Sigur recently told What Now New Orleans that the expansion is necessary to accommodate a surging community of collectors and players who have outgrown the original shop’s footprint.
“Moving to this 3,500-square-foot location will definitely give us about three and a half times the size of what we have now to really, really create that experience element that we’re looking to do here,” Sigur said.
When it opens this October, the shop will be within a redevelopment project spearheaded by a Drew Brees-backed development group. The Metairie strip mall is being transformed into a family-centric entertainment destination.
“They’re in the process of, you know, renovating that whole location to be a whole family entertainment complex, you know, with Pickle N Pins, Surge Entertainment Center, and Chuck E. Cheese,” Sigur said. “Now you throw our store in the mix, and man, we’re going to complement all other businesses over there and really make that a destination spot for locals and tourists.”
