Heart of Orléans BIA

Member Spotlight: Danireon

From Basement to Pokémon Destination

 

Danireon is a community-driven Pokémon and local card shop that started as a small online shop in a basement and has since grown into one of the largest Pokémon stores in North America.

 

A Passion Reignited

 

Owners Danielle Lavigne (Danireon) and Justin Gauthier rediscovered their love for collecting cards after finding a box of Pokémon cards at a resale shop. That moment reignited their passion and inspired them to turn their hobby into a business, helping others grow their own collections.

 

Building a Landmark Card Shop

 

Danireon set out from day one to establish itself as a landmark shop for acquiring single Pokémon cards. With an extensive inventory of over 150,000 single cards—updated daily—customers can easily browse and select cards online.

 

Community and Connections

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the business is meeting collectors who share the same passion—both young and old. Danireon has also gained a strong following on social media, connecting with Pokémon enthusiasts from all over the world.

 

A Wide Range of Products

 

Beyond single cards, Danireon offers a variety of Pokémon products, including graded cards, boxes, plush toys, model kits, and nano blocks. They also carry other trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and Disney Lorcana. Additionally, they manufacture their own card storage binders, including their famous Toploader Binders, which are now distributed across North America.

 

Sharing Knowledge and Passion

 

Danireon is more than just a store—it’s a resource for collectors. From the start, they have prioritized educating and sharing their expertise with others through blog articles, short and long-form videos, and a presence at local community card shows.

 

A Digital Boost to Success

 

The store’s growth was fueled in part by the rise of TikTok, which helped them gain visibility and attract customers. This, combined with a seamless online shopping experience, strong customer service, and deep community involvement, has been key to their success.

 

Finding the Perfect Location

 

Choosing a location wasn’t easy, but when another local card shop in the Heart of Orléans BIA closed in 2022, Danireon saw an opportunity to fill the gap. While other stores in the area focus on sports cards or tabletop games, they found their niche as a dedicated Pokémon shop in the Heart of Orléans BIA.

 

A Hub for Card Enthusiasts

 

Beyond being a Pokémon destination, Danireon has created a gathering place for the local gaming community. Their Thursday night poker nights bring card game enthusiasts together for a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

 

A Hidden Talent

 

Outside of running a successful business, co-owner Danielle has another passion—competitive powerlifting!

 

Photos by: Michael Willems Photo