ULTIMATE game STORE criteria
C. Giroux
ever testing out though. I would visit a GOOD game store every
week and maybe even buy something -- but there isn't one in my
hometown. About the best I've been to is Gary's Games in Seattle.
They had MUCH selection and have tables set out for playing perhaps.
I have an extra storefront ... perhaps I should open the ULTIMATE
GAME STORE!
What could make it the ULTIMATE and ensure PROFITABILITY (sales)?
Any opinions? I'll invite you to the Grand Opening ...
Chris
Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson
I want the store to have an extremely extensive selection in stock, including
tradition war games, abstract and adult strategy games, family games, and
computer games. Anything not available in stock should be able to be ordered
quickly.
Most "wargame stores" I've seen are dimly-lit, cramped, and musty, and I
can live with that, but why choose it? A new "family game store" just
opened in a mall near me, and it's brightly lit and colorful, with a demo
copy displayed for practically every game displayed. If large amounts of
space were available, I would even recommend having booths or something
where people could go try out a game before purchasing it.
The staff should be extremely knowledgable about the stock. Ideally,
that would mean that every game stocked has been played at least once
by at least one store staff member. A compromise might be that the
staff reviews the rules and components for each game stocked, at least
to the point that they could answer basic questions about the game.
This implies that the store staff should all be experienced gamers,
who would know a good game or a badly-designed game when they see it.
Another tactic might be for the store to manage a game review database,
where they ask shoppers (buyers primarily, but also browsers) to rate
games. If you provided terminals in the store with a nice web application
or something that was extremely simple and fast to use, you could probably
get a lot of input.
Speaking of databases, the store should provide a service for gamers
to find each other (preferably on-line), and possibly a place to meet to
play. Again, if large amounts of space are available (such as a basement
that could be subdivided into private rooms), it would be great to rent game
rooms with large tables and good seating for a nominal fee. You could also
then have vending machines for refreshments.
Realistically, it seems to me that most game store income must be
coming from collectable card games these days. I would suggest
capitalizing on that by catering to tournament players' and collectors'
needs. But don't forsake board games, miniatures, and roleplaying games!
I personally have no idea what the markup on games are, but I've noticed that
game stores never have sales, rarely have any sort of discount program, and
appear to sell only at industry-fixed prices. Mail-order discount operations
are killing neighborhood game stores because they are somehow able to offer
deep discounts (up to 40% off retail) on at least certain items, such as cards
bought in quantity. Why can't a game store operate similarly? Stores have
overhead, I know, but I would suggest trying to make that up by offering extra
services (such a suggested above, plus game instructors, game design and
publishing consulting services; go crazy) for nominal fees. If a store near
me offered something like an across-the-board 10% discount, plus some sort of
quantity incentive program, plus lots of game-related services, they'd
get my business.
Sponsor game tournaments and conventions for publicity. Buy, sell, and
trade used games. Have periodic special event sales ("This weekend only!
20% off all historical miniatures in stock!") Above all, think
service-oriented, customer-oriented. Why can't a specialty store function,
at least in principle, like a national franchised chain?
Just some thoughts,
Brad (joh...@cig.mot.com)
Matthew Parrott
>I like game stores ... walking in, browsing, buying ... hardly
>ever testing out though. I would visit a GOOD game store every
>week and maybe even buy something -- but there isn't one in my
>hometown. About the best I've been to is Gary's Games in Seattle.
>They had MUCH selection and have tables set out for playing perhaps.
>
>I have an extra storefront ... perhaps I should open the ULTIMATE
>GAME STORE!
>
>What could make it the ULTIMATE and ensure PROFITABILITY (sales)?
>Any opinions? I'll invite you to the Grand Opening ...
>
>Chris
store in the Roanoke Valley (VA). When I graduate from college I plan to
open a game store myself. The criteria for a truly great game store(in my
opinion) is as follows:
1. The store should have lots of wargames and a variety of RPG's (most
stores only sell the major ones) by having a varierty every gamer will
find what they want and the store will make more money.
2. The store should have employees who are friendly and know about and
play every game ever made. While this may be impossible I think you could
come close. The main thing is is to have employees who actually PLAY
games, not just sell them.
3. They should carry game supplies. Not just miniatures and dice, but
hexmaps, books on designing games, blank counters, and plenty of advice.
4. The store should have tables were people could play on display games.
The store should also organize tournaments (with a small entry fee) which
would get people involved in gaming and therefore bring in buisness.
5. They MUST be able to order any game not in stock on the spot.
Well thats all I can think of. If you open a store like this I'll fly
from Virginia to Seattle every week just to go to your store.
Matthew
Randy Shipp
>>Chris
>I've had the same problem you do. There is not a single dedicated game
>store in the Roanoke Valley (VA). When I graduate from college I plan to
>open a game store myself. The criteria for a truly great game store(in my
>opinion) is as follows:
>1. The store should have lots of wargames and a variety of RPG's (most
>stores only sell the major ones) by having a varierty every gamer will
>find what they want and the store will make more money.
>2. The store should have employees who are friendly and know about and
>play every game ever made. While this may be impossible I think you could
>come close. The main thing is is to have employees who actually PLAY
>games, not just sell them.
>3. They should carry game supplies. Not just miniatures and dice, but
>hexmaps, books on designing games, blank counters, and plenty of advice.
>4. The store should have tables were people could play on display games.
>The store should also organize tournaments (with a small entry fee) which
>would get people involved in gaming and therefore bring in buisness.
>5. They MUST be able to order any game not in stock on the spot.
>Well thats all I can think of. If you open a store like this I'll fly
>from Virginia to Seattle every week just to go to your store.
Matthew:
Check out Game Parlor in Chantilly, VA, and tell Rob I said hi. They
have RPGs, wargames, miniatures (historicals from ancient through
modern, fantasy, sci-fi), modelling supplies, terrain, boardgames of
all types, dice, puzzles, family games, collectible card games,
comics, brain games, vinyl models, anime stuff, and twelve (I think)
tables which seat six each, an enclosed, sound-proofed roleplaying
room, 4x8 plywood boards for miniature surfaces painted green, dark
blue, light blue, black, and grey (so they work for most anything),
and an owner who loves all kinds of games, and sets up lots of free
events and tournaments. Whew! Bar none, the best game store I've
ever seen...now, I just have to convince Rob to sell me a franchise
for down here in Texas. :)
Randy...
Eric Roush
Hmmm. If I remember my mental map of Virginia, Chantilly
is up near Washington DC (site of a Civil War battle
canceled by thunderstorm, after 2nd Bull Run),
while the Roanoke Valley would be in the south-western part
of the state (convienently out of the way of most of the
Civil War).
So, if Matthew was serious about being willing to fly cross-country
to visit the game store of his dreams, then you've given
him some help. Otherwise, it's just a plug for a game
store.
(Although it does sound like an interesting place to
visit if/when I'm in the DC area.)
--
Eric Roush "This is the most fun I've ever had with
edr...@acpub.duke.edu my clothes on."
also coa...@aol.com Jane Fonda, on the chop.
------------------------------------------------------
Maddux/Glavine in 1996! It's Time for a Change-Up!
Randy Shipp
>> events and tournaments. Whew! Bar none, the best game store I've
>> ever seen...now, I just have to convince Rob to sell me a franchise
>> for down here in Texas. :)
>Hmmm. If I remember my mental map of Virginia, Chantilly
>is up near Washington DC (site of a Civil War battle
>canceled by thunderstorm, after 2nd Bull Run),
>while the Roanoke Valley would be in the south-western part
>of the state (convienently out of the way of most of the
>Civil War).
>So, if Matthew was serious about being willing to fly cross-country
>to visit the game store of his dreams, then you've given
>him some help. Otherwise, it's just a plug for a game
>store.
While I'm no mind-reader, I took Matthew at his word. If he really
wants to drive four hours or so...maybe a little more, he can catch a
great game store at the western frontier of the DC metroplex.
...and sure, it's a plug. But I believe in the product. :)
>(Although it does sound like an interesting place to
>visit if/when I'm in the DC area.)
I encourage you to do so. :)
Randy...