Indulge in the fantasy realm of comics books at Ogre’s Grove
Ogre’s Grove owner Justin “Ogre” Sinnott started collecting comics soon after he discovered them at 6 years old and has been obsessed with the hobby ever since.
Sinnott and his wife, Kristin, decided with the plethora of comics in their collection they wanted to open a store to help enhance the realm of comics to the locals of Milton. After attending conventions to sell their comics, Ogre and his wife opened Ogre’s Grove in Milton, Delaware (aka the Grove).
“We still maintain an online presence and are actively expanding the online store,” he said. “However, things changed when one day we were browsing around Milton and discovered a property that we could use not only for the shop, but also to live in. After tons of work on Oct. 21, the shop was ready, and we opened the doors to the public.”
Orge and his wife also started an art gallery in the shop to promote artists enrolled in Delaware Technical Community College and other local artists.
“Kristin is a local artist herself, and we both wanted an art gallery to be included as a part of the comic shop,” said Ogre. “By having local artists displayed on the walls, it spreads our love of art and love of our area. We also sell a collection of products such as: jewelry, art, toys, games, books, and of course, comics.”
Ogre said the winter business was slow, but the shop is reaching its six month mark and foot traffic is increasing and the business is expanding.
“The Grove started as two rooms, but we are now expanding it another 300 square feet later this month,” he said. “With this extra space, the walls will be used to display more art, and gaming tables will be placed in the addition room to seat around 20 people at a time.”
The Grove holds events such as “Magic: The Gathering” tournaments from time to time along with Free Comic Book Day on May 5.
“We try to offer our customers a variety of items to purchase, along with providing rare items that would pique the interest of comic fans,” he said.
Ogre said his future plans are to own several comic shops in various locations. Taking one step at a time, he says he is focusing on the development of his current store in the Milton.
“Milton is an amazing small town and has been our home for many years prior to opening The Grove,” he said. “We definitely have plans for the future, but for now we want to grow this store until it's mighty roots can carry it on its own.”
Ogre also has a goal to create his own line of comic books.
“It’s a fairly separate entity at the moment as we are actively looking for an artist or two to help us create and launch the birth of our comic series in 2019,” Ogre said.
Ogre’s grove is open Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturdays noon to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays. The address is 129 Union Street, Milton Delaware.
For additional information, contact Ogre’s Grove at (302) 643-2125.
Justin “Ogre” Sinnott and his wife Kristin, shown, opened Ogre's Grove in Milton after attending comic book conventions to sell their comics. Submitted photo.
Ogre’s Grove in Milton open six months ago with a goal to enhance the realm of comics to the locals. Photo by M. Griffin.