|
Post by labael on Aug 13, 2011 20:50:02 GMT -5
So what kind of things would you like to see in a gaming store?
|
|
|
Post by xenocide on Aug 14, 2011 8:33:55 GMT -5
People who know what they are talkin' about is a big plus. Trying to talk to the guys at Neverland about battletech sucks. I mean, they don't have to know everything. Just being able to look at a shelf and read which books say battletech and which ones don't would be sufficient. (interesting story with that one)
Gaming supplies would be nice too. Pens, Pencils, Paper, graphing paper, rulers, things we use regularly. not having to run to the gaming store and then to staples would be a HUGE plus. I'd honestly pay more if the stuff was right on hand.
|
|
|
Post by Drozgul on Aug 17, 2011 3:22:56 GMT -5
Not really sure what sparked this, but away we go!
First thing's first: a gaming shop needs to focus on just that. The people who work there should not only be knowledgable of the material they sell, but also encouraging new players with getting some public games running.
Nothing wrong with selling a little swag as well, but not band T-shirts and Internet memes, but if it doesn't represent the primary product, scrap it.
If a gaming store has no gaming table, I am not a happy panda. It's one thing if it always seems occupied, but just not having one at all is bad news
If the shop is successful, and has regular gamers, a website is good for organizing your table time with clientele without Jimmy having to get his folks to bring him out just to see what's going on. This would allow gamers to find groups online and then play at the store in a time slot that isn't gonna be over-crowded, and keeps a flow of different faces in the business.
I would want to see as much different game material as possible, within reason of course. Out-dated material should be available to purchase via catalog if possible. Appropriate video and novel items could be available.
Another thing that would get my attention would be a listing of release dates and gaming company and convention updates on a reader board or something so we're aware and even excited about upcoming things. I had also thought that a recent dry erase or chalk board could serve to attract patrons to related web-comics or YouTube video URLs, to give the home-bodied gamers article suggestions between visits; ex. Order of the Stick, Penny Arcade, or convention videos and news.
The above suggestion of simple "school supplies" made available is also goo, but should be kept simple, minimal and cheap. A shop owner could do cheap membership benefits like limited PDF printouts (DM stat sheets, character sheets), and a e-mailing list to keep your customers more up to date on all things at their new "second home".
|
|
Lady Masquerade
Journeyman
Look into my eyes. Do you see who I see?
Posts: 174
|
Post by Lady Masquerade on Aug 17, 2011 14:27:45 GMT -5
/agree with everything Droz suggested. The only thing I think I'd add is to have something for all ages. I know most games can be played at any age, but it seems like most of the customers we get at Sea the Source start at 15-16 and go up from there. I think that's mostly because anyone younger than that is mostly interested in video or PC games, but why couldn't we carry more "kid-oriented" games? I know Atlantis and I looked through a catalog of nothing but TTRP type games suited just for kids. But I agree wholeheartedly with carrying only gamer-related swag, and having that be minimal at least. I don't know how many times I've had people come in and tell me that they didn't even realize Sea the Source had game stuff. Probably because they can't see it from the store front for all of the shirts, hats, necklaces, Zippos, lunchboxes, sunglasses, bumper stickers, patches, belt buckles, shoes, incense, figurines......... I think you get the idea. It's pretty bad when what I consider to be our local gaming shop only takes up about 15% of the actual store that it's in.
|
|
|
Post by Drozgul on Aug 18, 2011 1:01:08 GMT -5
Actually, I think people don't realize the game stuff is there, because I'm pretty sure the WV store doesn't sell it, or not very much, and that's the original location.
Also, age-wise, kids under 15 don't really belong at the mall, so its tough to want kid things there, but at a normal game shop, I agree, there should be more.
|
|
Lady Masquerade
Journeyman
Look into my eyes. Do you see who I see?
Posts: 174
|
Post by Lady Masquerade on Aug 20, 2011 10:22:08 GMT -5
Touche, sir.
|
|
|
Post by archon on Aug 22, 2011 21:19:08 GMT -5
Recipe for the prefect gaming store:
1. Good selection of war, roleplaying, and board games. 2. Good selection of miniatures for all game systems being sold. 3. Good selection of tools to play said games (templates, dice, etc). 4. 50% of the store dedicated to gaming space complete with tables, scenery, dice, etc. (one of the main reasons that good gaming stores don't last btw) 5. Knowledgeable staff (must be able to demo a wargame or explain a rpg). 6. Weekly staff run rpgs, wargaming tournaments, and card tournaments (a serious source of revenue in good gaming stores). 7. Welcoming and relaxing atmosphere (good music, place to sit and shoot the shit with other gamers, etc). 8. Snack and soda machines to fuel the gamers (also a good source of revenue). 9. Some kind of loyalty program to ensure repeat customers to develop a strong gaming community. 10. Good pricing and decent monthly sales to keep product flowing and interest up.
I could go into more detail if wanted but I think this is a good example. I think its pretty obvious that Ive been thinking about this for a long time.
|
|
|
Post by Drozgul on Aug 23, 2011 17:31:26 GMT -5
Only thing missing from that list is me owning/operating the shop!
|
|