Symbiote Collectibles — Attraction in West Reading

We were in town for a baseball tournament and my son and I always try to find local comic shops to peruse. This place was a hit. Read on for the story but long story short I found a grail item that the owner went above and beyond to help me walk if the store with. So happy with my purchase and the price paid!!! We walked in and the first thing my 12yo said was, “we’re gonna be here for a while”. And we were. We live in NJ just outside Philly and the prices on anything from my childhood are staggering and none of the shops around us provide any possibility for negotiation, not even bundling. It’s retail prices all the way. I saw a grail item and I knew it was probably out of my price range but it was a complete 1990 TMNT Technodrome and I had to ask. The price he was asking was what I was expecting (although cheaper then if it was a NJ shop) and a very reasonable price but it was still more then I could convince myself to spend. He saw my reluctance and he came back with a number that I couldn’t say no to. I wish I could have gotten his name to thank him here but in the end I bought the Technodrome and two figures. And while prices for vintage toys are high everywhere right now, I didn't leave feeling like I overspent for some 90’s plastic. They seem to be a shop that realizes the only way to get customers to leave with something and keep coming back is to feel good about their purchase. Both of those qualities are missing in my area. Seems a lot of these owners are willing to let items sit knowing some other sucker will overspend on them at some point. Thanks Symbiote Collectibles, I hope my travels bring me back...

Symbiote is a top notch local game shop that has an emphasis on good comics, collectibles, cards, and all things nerdy.

As a customer, I appreciate the owners knowledge of Magic the Gathering, the Pokemon TCG and his calm personable business manner.

Max is very nice and always fair, and has many ways for people to save on their favorite items. He has gone above and beyond in almost every transaction I made, and was perfectly fine if I stopped to say hi or browse the Pokemon commons in the back.

He has been following the new Covid-19 guidelines, and has a basement tricked out for some tabletop gaming. Though I don't play cards anymore Max is a great friend and neighbor, and runs a great shop. Stop by, you wont be disappointed.

Edit: I now have good reason to return, as they run 5e Dungeons and Dragons monthly, have the shelves stacked with some great 5e books, and a classy Discord.

They also have a great membership program, which only costs 5 dollars to join.

Come for a good tabletop session, stay for the comraderey.

Highlights include an impulsive kid sorcerer, a hapless warlock bonded to a cursed sword that drinks blood, and a paladin that makes people chuck thier cookies on command.

As a bonus, we have avoided two total party wipes once with our dwarf's intricate knowledge of stonecutting, and the other through our bard's exceedingly horrific bagpipe performance. In short, a...

A great store! The inventory is always changing. New stuff all the time. Store personnel are knowledgeable. Buy or sell action figures or memorabilia. Magic the gathering and pokemon cards in great supply.

4/25/22 update!! Place is loaded with inventory. Ranging from Star Wars to Bratz and everything in-between. Older vintage product to new age toys. Wall to Wall. Something for everyone. Pokémon and Magic the gathering cards available. Huge collection. I buy everytime I am in there because the inventory is always changing. Most recently were some fetches for my commander decks. Great pricing, to which the owner gives discounts to military, police and teachers. Amazing shop and the owner is an exceptional person!

10/18/24 Update...never get tired of this place. Shop owner is so involved with community. Everything and more. Still best place for MTG around, best prices and great players at events. Amazing to see the items that come...