‘Doctor Who’ finds home in Hendricks County with Who North America store
While some people have bumper stickers that say “My other car is a TARDIS,” Keith and Jany Bradbury can say they actually have their own TARDIS. The Bradburys own the only store in North America dedicated to all things “Doctor Who.” Fans of the British television series can find some unique items at the Camby, Indiana, store.
The “Doctor Who” series originally ran on BBC 1963-89. It was resurrected in 2005 and is still on the air. There have been 12 “Doctors” since the series started. We became fans with the 11th Doctor, portrayed by actor Matt Smith. He left the series in 2013 after four seasons. Peter Capaldi is the 12th Doctor. Each Doctor has traveled with a “companion.”
For the readers who may not be familiar with the show, “Doctor Who” is an alien who travels in his TARDIS (a time machine) to different times and dimensions to battle different enemies. The show rarely has any real violence. As a matter-of-fact, “Doctor Who” doesn’t carry a weapon, he uses a sonic screwdriver to solve issues and encounters.
The Who North America store has been open for about a year. However, the Bradburys have operated their business for almost 20 years, starting with a box of comic books when they lived in Evansville, Indiana. They have operated an online store since 2010. They had a warehouse where they sold items out of.
The decision to open a brick and mortar store because they were tired of renting space and wanted a place where people could come to shop and visit. They took everything from the warehouse and packed it into about 3,000 square feet of space. The second half of the store serves as a museum.
The store has so many action figures, toys, clothes, DVDs and games. The store is the only place outside Australia where you can buy a specific puzzle. About 95 percent of the store’s inventory is dedicated to Dr. Who. The other items are either Doctor Who-related or BBC series, such as “The Avengers.”
The store sells a comic book whose cover was designed by a friend of the Bradburys. He is a “Doctor Who”-approved artist, Jany said.
It’s always Christmas at the store with a great selection of holiday-related items, including ornaments, lights and stockings. We picked up a few ornaments during our visit.
Who North America’s museum features items from the series, dating back several decades. Daleks, screwdrivers, cutouts, games and dolls are among the items on display.
Additionally, the store has a game room and DVD viewing room.
Who North America sits on two acres of land. The Bradburys have big plans for that land, including an area for activities such as “Dungeons and Dragons,” as well as a festival space. The First Annual Doctoberfest is scheduled for the site Oct. 29. Plans call for vendors, pumpkin decorating contest and other festivities.
So, if you’re a Whovian, or know one, you may want to jump in your TARDIS (or car) and visit the store in Hendricks County, about a 40-minute drive from Indianapolis. Or you can jump on your online TARDIS and visit their website.
For more information on Who North America, please visit www.whona.com or www.visithendrickscounty.com.
