ARDROSSAN’S Alan McCubbin has made his dream of opening his very own comic and memorabilia shop come true.

After leaving his job at Amazon in Greenock, Alan decided it was now or never for him to open a collectibles shop.

He tried desperately to find property in his hometown or in Saltcoats but when he heard about a unit in Kilwinning’s Main Street he jumped at it.

Now, three weeks after opening, he is confident he has made the right decision and doesn’t think he will be returning to warehouse work anytime soon.

AIM Emporium sells comics, Funko Pops, action figures from comics and films, Harry Potter and Star Wars memorabilia and Alan’s true passion, trading cards.

This serious collector has over 30,000 in his own personal collection and Alan is hopeful that others will enjoy collecting too.

“I have been collecting trading cards for over 30 years,” said Alan.

“I have an extensive collection of trading cards and I will be bringing some to the shop to sell as more and more people are asking about them.”

Since he opened, Alan has been inundated with film fans who like to snap up the memorabilia as well as those youngsters who want to spend their pocket money on the latest crazes like Hatchimals and Hot Wheels.

“I’m delighted that so many young people are showing an interest in films and shows and comics, it’s great to see them come in and have a look about and then ask about the memorabilia, you can tell they want to collect all they can.”

Alan can’t imagine returning to working for Amazon anytime soon.

He said: “I loved my work at Amazon, you work hard but it is a good job and I know I can always return to that life but I decided I had to give something a go and thanks to my brother Ian, I realised it was now or never.

“I used to go to comic conventions but now it’s great to have my very own place here in Ayrshire and people can come in and have a look around. My brother and I both collect cards and it’s great to take our hobby to the next level with AIM Emporium and talk to the collectors who come in and share this hobby.

“I still can’t quite believe that I have my own shop, it would be great to run events at the weekends and for the school kids when they go back, could even have a mini convention here in Kilwinning one day, now that would be fantastic fun.”