Article by: Shevaughn Racha
From Humble Beginnings In 2013…
What started as a humble Trading Card Game (TCG) and Comic Book store in a small room underneath a residential home in California Trinidad, has blossomed into one of the Caribbean’s biggest and most globally recognized Official Tournament Stores, for a number of the world’s leading TCGs.
Established in 2013 by proprietor, Mark Amarali, MVE Collectibles was founded with the vision to give life to hobbies that were considered niche by most and even taboo by more conservative in society, a home.
For years comic books and TCGs such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic The Gathering were considered ‘closet hobbies’, ie, something you may enjoy in the comfort of your own home, but rarely express publicly, for fear of ridicule. However, Amarali, through the MVE Collectibles name has created not just a safe space for patrons of these hobbies, he has fostered and nurtured a growing and thriving community.
This is a community, where like-minded people can feel free to express themselves and participate in their respective hobbies, with no fear of judgement.
MVE Has Upped The Game!
In 2025, 12 years after establishment, MVE Collectibles has gone from being a sole trader venture with Amarali wearing all hats, to a business that employs seven staff members for their seven day weekly operating schedule.
In fact, in 2017, MVE Collectibles moved from their birthplace in California to Mid Center Mall in Chaguanas, one of the busiest areas in Trinidad and Tobago.
Apart from comic books and TCGs, MVE Collectibles also features a wide variety of figurines, Funko Pops. action figures, stickers, stationery and many other collectible items from all of the world’s most popular movies, anime, TV shows and other pop culture influences. In fact, MVE Collectibles prides themselves on having something for almost everyone to love, whether it’s a game you currently enjoy or a comic book that transports you to simpler times of your childhood, chances are, you can find it at MVE.
In fact, in 2025, they expanded their reach into the world of Tabletop board games, offering a free, open and welcoming space for board game and tabletop game lovers (such as the famous Dungeons and Dragons).
Our Community – In The Community
Amarali and MVE Collectibles are also heavily involved in the local community as well, often donating money, food items, toys and even cards and comics to local schools and orphanages.
The sense of community that MVE Collectibles has bred within their twelve-year existence is Amarali’s pride and joy. Besides being able to provide products for various games, comic books and hobbies, MVE Collectibles also serves as a place where persons can connect and forge friendships, partnerships that stem outside the confines of the store.
Chances are, friends you make from these hobbies can prove to be lifelong!
It is no secret, that the several niche hobbies that MVE Collectibles support, are becoming less and less taboo as times goes on, with our general society becoming welcoming and accepting, to a wider range of interests.
In Trinidad and Tobago, MVE Collectibles has been a pillar of this community and will continue to be a pillar for years to come.
Author Bio: – Shevaughn Racha – is a Trinidadian born and bred. A career marketing and communications professional, he loves sports and enjoys writing about football and cricket as well as dabbling in several E-sports.
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