Sanctum Comics and Tattoos: The Popular Birmingham Store Makes a Move Downtown
Birmingham, AL – The popular Birmingham comic book store and tattoo parlor, Sanctum Comics and Tattoos, has relocated to a new spot downtown. This strategic move, from its former address in Avondale, was motivated by the need for more space and a more budget-friendly rent ratio. Its doors at the new location swung open on June 5, 2024.
A Larger Space for a Growing Business
Co-owner of the store, Wess Gregg, an avid comic book fan, expressed his satisfaction with the move. “We’d outgrown our last spot and were lucky enough to have access to this location,” admits Gregg. The new site offers around 500 extra square feet for the flourishing business. This move has not only provided a physical expansion but has also boosted the morale and optimism of the management, expecting growth in their customer reach as well.
The owner of the building, Jeremy Wood, a long-time friend and customer of the store, has been instrumental in facilitating this shift. He knowingly rents out retail space in his building at 213 24th St. North, near the U.S. Post office.
Location Move Doesn’t Deter Loyal Clientele
Gregg acknowledges the loyal following of Sanctum Comics and Tattoos, anticipating that their fan base would remain unfazed by the location change. “We have a dedicated, loyal clientele, and they’re going to follow us,” he stated confidently. Clearly, the customer commitment to the establishment is robust. The store offers a wide variety of comic book genres, from the classical superhero tales to alternative horror narratives.
A Business Powered by Passion
Both the owners of Sanctum Comics and Tattoos share a reverence for the comic book culture. This personal interest and knowledge has fundamentally shaped their business model. “I love comics but never learned how to draw. I can only tell you about comic books,” candidly disclosed Gregg. While Gregg manages the comic book side of the store, his co-owner, Aaron Hamilton, steers the tattoo parlor.
The store’s collection reflects the influence of the cinematic world on the comic book industry. The frequent release of blockbuster movies adapted from comic books has revived and sustained interest in the comic medium, causing a surge in comic book sales.
The Future of the Comic Book Industry
Despite the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry, Gregg firmly believes in the staying power of comic books. He states, “The comic medium is in really good shape. We’re not quite at those historically high levels. We have a lot of eager readers coming through.” This viewpoint reaffirms the enduring cultural relevance and market demand for this art form.
Store Information
The new location for Sanctum Comics and Tattoos is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The owners, Gregg and Hamilton, look forward to welcoming both their loyal and new customers to this bigger and better space in downtown Birmingham.
