Helping New Stores

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Post originally by Seth at 2003-04-29 09:43:29
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Hey guys,

I read this article by Marcus with a lot interest. In the small town I live in, a guy just opened a new store. Let me give you a run down.

In my town, we have 3 Stores... one which specializes in Warhammer, one that is Comic Geeks dream, with a little gaming thrown in, and one that goes from one popular game to another trying to make money. Now this fellow who opened the new store for some good reasons. One, the store that only sold popular stuff has a reputation for rowdy kids, who can get very mean. This guys son loves to play cards, and he didn't want his son to have to deal with that enviroment. After trying the other stores, he decided they just didn't have what he wanted, so he opened his store.

First of all, his location is great. He is the only store in a small College town, which hasn't had a game store in 3+ years. He has plenty of gaming space, and lots of storage.

Second, his product mix is interesting. Most of it is drawn from his own collection of stuff, from action figures to baseball cards. His gaming items are all new, purchased from a distributor.

Third, his advertising has been good. He got a spot in the widely read college newspaper, and has done a TV spot. He also had local comic artists in to do signings. He runs a different game everyday, plus has space to walk in and play.

His customer base is a group a college kids, and a bunch of middle school kids. I fall into the college group. Both groups get a long, and play a few games together.

Now, I when I first walked into this store, it was okay, not much stock, but good. One of the things Marcus said about good customers is very true. He asks me if I think stuff would sell, if his prices are fair, and asks what I think of new games. It's nice to have input, and my advice has proven good so far.. (He made money his first month!) Marcus mentioned about keeping an eye on the store... I help him keep the young ones calmed done, keep the older ones from swearing, and watch the customers while he is busy with other ones. It's actually been a very good relationship, and I am quite thankful for such a good store.

My only complaint? He isn't open on Tuesdays, but, as he said, even God had to take a day off.

So Marcus, you are very correct my man, and I had a story to prove it!

Thanks,

Seth Anthony
Alderac Bounty Hunter
Wiz Kids Warlord

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Post originally by Roman at 2003-04-30 08:21:31
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This subject is one that I and a friend have been discussing for a while ...

I typically do all of my games ordering / buying online due to the utter *lack* of a games store. A friend and I bemoan this dilemma, since this lack seems appalling, on the surface.

I live in a university town in Illinois. This is the Midwest, arguably the birthplace of RPGs. One would think that a university town would be able to support a games store, yet to my knowledge only *one* such store has even been moderately successful here in the last 10 years. Although the local comics store claims that they'll "special order anything" we'd want, the wait time is rather preposterous (4 weeks, usually), and there is no place in the store to *play* games.

I've always felt that a successful games store needs sufficient space to *host* gaming events, in addition to shelf space, selection, and good service. Even if it is only for the "local" gaming crews, such space seems essential in the building of a *community* of gamers that will keep the store in business. (Although a smart games store owner will also use the space for promotional events as well.)

I would personally give up my (rather nice--up to 20%) online store discounts in exchange for a local store that gives no discount, but in exchange builds a community of area gamers.

Just my two bits.

Roman

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Post originally by The Diceman at 2003-04-30 15:06:52
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I am a lucky one in that I go to a small college town in Minnesota that has one (and as far as I know the only one ever) game/comics shop. He keeps a very wide variety of games in stock and garuntees he can get anything for you that he doesn't have on the shelves (as long as it in in print... and even then he can still pull it off occassionally). The shop caters to miniatures, CCGs, and RPGs alike. In fact, although I think the initial intent was to be a comic shop, it has become more of a game store anything else. What makes it really great is the owner. Jimmy has a warm greeting for every customer that enters his store. He knows where everything is and is often times open for conversation of any sort. Even if the store happens to be rather crowded (like after the grammar and HS get out for the day) he will make sure to at least give a moment of attention to you in case you need it. Especially great is how he does not care if you browse... even for an hour+! As for gaming space, it is not all that large, but it serves well enough for the various tounaments and leauges that are run there year round. Given, this gaming space only caters to card gamers and miniatures (secondary), but frankly I believe that RPGs don't have a place to actually be played in a game shop w/o special purpose.

PS. What part of IL do you go to college in? Just curious as I call IL home myself.

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Post originally by Roman at 2003-05-02 09:45:44
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I live in good ol' DeKalb IL, near NIU.

Roman