Established in Ronan is a new buy, sell, trade store, offering video games, collectibles and a new hangout spot.  

The idea to open 100% Nerd came to business owner Ken Towne after he ran out of room in his basement for the collection he had been gathering for the last 10 years.  

Towne is 100% a nerd himself, with his collection, knowledge of the D.C. Universe, and love for the character Batman, whom he dressed as for his wedding. While coming up with the name for the store sounds straightforward, Towne said it took a bit of brainstorming. However, as soon as he said it out loud, his wife, Brie, agreed that the name fit perfectly.  

Towne has lived in the Mission Valley for the last 27 years and has been a mechanic for the past 18 years. Towne has been married to Brie for eight years and, alongside Batman, she brought out her inner nerd as a Steampunk Supergirl for their wedding.  

Towne secured the location for his store at the Old Creamery Mall in Ronan, off Highway 93, in early April and decided May 4 was his opening day. He added that this was intentional since May 4 is widely celebrated as Star Wars Day, derived from the popular pun “May the Fourth be with you.”  

He explained that it was a quick turnaround to get the store ready in time, but they made the deadline with the help of family. Previously at this location was Mary’s Thrift Store, which moved to Polson.  

Towne said he has a bit of everything, selling new and retro video games, accessories and consoles. He also stocks collectibles and trading game cards. Towne has also partnered with Kyle Stinger, the previous owner of Kustom Gaming Garage in Polson, to offer gaming console repairs. 

He also has multiple tables where he is offering tabletop games to play on Tuesdays and casual play for Magic: The Gathering on Wednesdays. The cost is $5 per chair.  

He added that Brie has also expressed interest in putting together an arts-and-crafts evening. Towne also plans to set up old-school video games for the public to come play at the store. He is hoping this will make 100% Nerd a hangout spot in Ronan, which he believes the area really needs.  

The tables will be available during store hours, which are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Towne noted that he is aware that the time frame doesn't offer much time for someone to play after work, but he could possibly extend those hours in the future.  

    100% Nerd is a buy, sell, trade store in Ronan that carries a little bit of everything in the nerd department. (Emily Messer/Leader)