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So I was wondering what everyone thinks a "perfect" gaming store would need to have to draw in the masses.

My first item would be the stuff I want when I want it.

An important issue would be having prices similar to those you can get from on-line stores.

Even if its a bit more (say, could get it for 10 but you have it for 11), but you have it NOW and I'm in a hurry.

Needs to have unique or hard to get items (i.e. good selection of terrain from many manufacturers, used minis for good prices). Must be clean and smoke free. Hours should be designed for casual gaming in the evenings, weekends and holidays (way too many stores close for holidays when that's prime time for gaming).

Air conditioned, Bathroom needs to be clean.

Decent assortment of food items, not just candy and soda.

Plenty of tables with room to move between them

Decent product

Friendly staff that play, or at least have decent knowledge of all the games they sell.

ShivanAngel wrote:Air conditioned, Bathroom needs to be clean.

Decent assortment of food items, not just candy and soda.

Plenty of tables with room to move between them

Decent product

Friendly staff that play, or at least have decent knowledge of all the games they sell.

This is my gamestore! The only bad thing is that there's only one dedicated game table, but they have many more boards if you can fight off the smelly MTG players.

Girls. or in my case - women.

Tanhausen wrote:An important issue would be having prices similar to those you can get from on-line stores.

Even if its a bit more (say, could get it for 10 but you have it for 11), but you have it NOW and I'm in a hurry.

Discounts would be awesome, but most game shops can't afford to compete with online stores who have little-no rent to pay among other things. They compete by providing services that online stores can't, such as in store playing and fun events. I'm sure many stores would offer lots of discounts if they could afford to, it's just that most can't :( It's so expensive to run a store it's crazy (not just games, any retail store).

That being said, I want the toys I want when I want them. I want to visit a clean store, a place that's well lit and "inviting" instead of a dark and stinky gamer neckbeard hangout. The later will make me look around, turn around, and leave n'er to return.

For playing in the store I want bathrooms that are cleaned hopefully daily (and a can of air freshener inside for when papa nurgle stops by would be nice too). Must also sell drinks & snacks (even if its just a vending machine) or be no more than 1 minute away from a place to get junk food and allow us to eat & drink while we play. Game tables with cup holders would be perfect Don't blast brutal death metal because 2 people in the store like it, same goes for techno or rap or any other kinda music. Pick something everyone can at least stand like a local or satellite "normal" rock station, or nothing at all.

I wan a game store where I'm known by name. A store where I get a discount just because I'm me and spend a large amount of money there. I want a game store where when they get new stuff in that I may be interested in, they put a copy away for me...Oh wait I justed described the game store I go to all the time.

powerslave84 wrote:

ShivanAngel wrote:Air conditioned, Bathroom needs to be clean.

Decent assortment of food items, not just candy and soda.

Plenty of tables with room to move between them

Decent product

Friendly staff that play, or at least have decent knowledge of all the games they sell.

This is my gamestore! The only bad thing is that there's only one dedicated game table, but they have many more boards if you can fight off the smelly MTG players.

Yeah thats pretty much my game store I described. They also dont sell MTG or CCg's in general so its strictly wargaming.

No fighting off MTG kids for play area.

ShivanAngel wrote:Air conditioned, Bathroom needs to be clean.

Decent assortment of food items, not just candy and soda.

Plenty of tables with room to move between them

Decent product

Friendly staff that play, or at least have decent knowledge of all the games they sell.

Sounds like my gamestore as well - although it does tend to get a bit cramped on 40k night, what with (typically) about 7-9 games going on at once. Oh, and the AC isn't so hot (ba dum tish) but at least the general populace of the store is adults and older teens who are mature/smart enough to shower regularly.

Oh right, on topic. Anyways, here's what I'd add:

No kids allowed unsupervised (the horror stories about kids on that 'Worst things to happen at a game store' thread...oh dear)

League gaming on a weekly basis

Good tables! And I don't just mean several with good space, I mean ones with terrain and/or mats. My store has some beautifully made terrain ready for use, but the owner only allows it out during tourneys or a reserved match. Alternately, have some available quick terrain - my store, for instance, has a few big bags full of felt cut in random shapes and sizes for terrain.

A good group of players with all (or most) armies represented in their various forms, with hopefully a good range of skill levels.

Display cases to show off various games/artists - my store has a big old lighted, mirrored display case that shows off all the fantastically painted models that older players had. Sad that some of them don't have time to play anymore, but definitely a good kick in the pants to show off what can be done with a skilled set of hands.

A stocked shelf filled with a diverse selection. I know it's expensive to keep a large stock, but that's why I drove to the store. If I wanted to special order something through the store I would just order it online myself. If you are going to support warmachine or 40k than carry the majority of the range and not just the starter boxes and a couple of blisters that have been picked over for the last few months.

The next more important thing is a bright welcoming store front. Too many gaming stores have that cave-like feeling to them, and a funny smell. I don't care if it's dust, mildew or just plain BO. Buy airfreshener. It's not that expensive. After you vaccuum (and please vaccuum) in the morning give the shop a spray. get decent lighting and let the sun come in through the windows. All that makes the store less intimidating especially for non gamers who might come in to buy presents for gamers (i.e. parents, relatives and/or other loved ones who might not be prepared to enter a full on game store).

Hott naked women feeding only me grapes while rolling my dice and moving figs for me, then when Im exhasted from all the gaming they will rub me down or drive me home, all while complementing me on my strategy and painting skills.

Seriously... while people are asking for rediculous things like great selection, ie one of everything langusihing on wall space the owner is paying for just to sell once a year (yeah because sooo many people out there need/play the Master of the Ravenwing Jet Bike or the Pheonix Lords), instead of ordering it for you which is just as easy.

I would like a store where players are greatful for their store and actually buy stuff without expecing a reach around. There really is no need to have EVERYthing when core is usually good enough. Why not assemble the core of your force while ordering the rest. If your too poor or cheap to support your local store then maybe you should examine the rest of your life...might want to start some night classes or working some overtime.

On a side rant I also dont want hate:

I swear this hobby for its price point attracts the most ungrateful and broke hobbyists. Not all gamers have to be affluent but damn it would be nice to game with others who have jobs and can afford it.

I can tell you how much the store owner appreciates the free daycare parachute inserted tween poor kids fingering all the merch (read as waiting to steal) while bitching about prices and offering tactical advice/bumming money for sodas.

Im so sick of them and they pool around game stores. Besides that I would like to have less beachers. Ya now the guy who does the gamer titty flop on the paint bar, paints his old ass Battletech/Reaper D&D models while lamenting about GW and its models/rules and only ever playing with stuff they got as a great deal on EBAY. Hey duche bags suport you local stores instead of scaring off business.

Rant over...and I dont even own a store.

wow...alright. In my ideal game store I would still like a large diverse stock. That didn't change my answer.

I wasn't asking for the entire range, but stock a good cross section. I've been to a great many places that only stock a half hearted assortment. Some of them are big name chain stores. It makes me a bit sad.

Maybe next time add a bit less hate to your posts T and P. I'm not sure what your baggage is on the subject, but that was pretty harshly worded.

One with a liquor license.....sell me beer!

Task and Purpose wrote:Hott naked women feeding only me grapes while rolling my dice and moving figs for me, then when Im exhasted from all the gaming they will rub me down or drive me home, all while complementing me on my strategy and painting skills.

I would like a store where players are greatful for their store and actually buy stuff without expecing a reach around. There really is no need to have EVERYthing when core is usually good enough. When not assemble the core of your force while ordering the rest. If your too poor or cheap to support your local store then maybe you should examine the rest of your life...might want to start some night classes or working some overtime.

I swear this hobby for its price point attracts the most ungrateful and broke hobbyists. Not all gamers have to be affluent but damn it would be nice to game with others who have jobs and can afford it.

Rant over...and I dont even own a store.

Hey, if you ever want an investor, and if I ever have enough money, I'm in! With your lack of patience with moaning thieving little bastards you're my kind of person. Plus you're the only one who agrees there should be more women.

What's wrong with you lot? Haven't you got a pair? Use 'em instead of scratching 'em. Go get the girls involved. Trust me when you see them throwing them dice and squealing like....well ....like girls, you'll wonder how you ever coped without them.

phillosmaster wrote:wow...alright. In my ideal game store I would still like a large diverse stock. That didn't change my answer.

I wasn't asking for the entire range, but stock a good cross section. I've been to a great many places that only stock a half hearted assortment. Some of them are big name chain stores. It makes me a bit sad.

Maybe next time add a bit less hate to your posts T and P. I'm not sure what your baggage is on the subject, but that was pretty harshly worded.

I know what you meant as far as good selection. Some people seriuously expect a store to carry multiple Monoliths and Doom Riders. Just not necessary. Yeah many gamers like/play necrons but generally one player per store does not warrant stocking MAX of everything. My example would be as per an "unpopular" army Necrons 1 Lord Blister, 1 Mounted Lord, 3 ea both Destroyers, 2 boxes warriors, 5 Immortals, 1 Wraith, 1 Tomb Spider, one Battle Force. Ggenerally you could sell this to a player wanting to start an army and they would have enough to work on while getting paid and assembling what they had. There is just no need to have full choices of Flayed Ones, Paraiahs and even Immortals.

I prefer mine to showcase painting techniques other than dipping. Other than that I'm very content with my store.

"Hey, if you ever want an investor, and if I ever have enough money, I'm in! With your lack of patience with moaning thieving little bastards you're my kind of person. Plus you're the only one who agrees there should be more women.

What's wrong with you lot? Haven't you got a pair? Use 'em instead of scratching 'em. Go get the girls involved. Trust me when you see them throwing them dice and squealing like....well ....like girls, you'll wonder how you ever coped without them"

I actually almost opened a shop. The problem is you have to sell yourself as much as the product to get peopel to be loyal. Honestly providing an environment for game play is only profitable for MTG. GW is great for painting contests and Tournaments but casual gamers cant even compare to a hot week of MTG FNM or a couple of strong draft nights. Kinda sad.

It is sad.

I am back in the hobby after 11 years off doing the life thing and things haven't changed.

I am thinking of creating a Wargaming Club if I can find a room or two to hold all the stuff but gauging what the take up will be is hard.

-Hand Crafted full regulation Size Boards! But not Static. As in, the boards can be swapped out.

-Plenty of room for Gaming! As in no middle aisles. Just set the merchandise along the walls and leave the center of the table for all kinds of gaming!

-Water at the very least. However, allow food (within reason of course.) This one depends largely on your player base being responsbile about it. It also depends on Location! Multiple establishments in the area. Pizza, Chinese (not the horrible buffet kind) your Fast food joints. However, most important. A subway/quiznos/Publix! And if you are in the north, a Frackin Sheetz would be ideal. All within Easy walking distance.

-Appropriate AC/Heating

-Ambiant Music. Nothing Hard, heavy, or especially Loud. Just gak that can be ignored.

-Plenty of Merchandise for the gamers you service.

-NO Doubling as a Porn Store in the Back!!!! (had a gamestore like this. Its cool in thought, but it kills not only your youth business but your seedier cliental are very very unappealing)

-Though, with all of the above, the final key is an excellent Player base. Not talking about just people who will buy gak. But people and players that care or enjoy the games the play. Enthusaists are a MUST! Not just dick swinging win at all cost Cheese players! Fun Story Driven League play...Campaigns that feel more like Table Top Roleplaying. That kind of play will help. To many dick swingers and its all over.

Discounts like online stores isn't possible as online stores can offer discounts only because their overhead is low. All you need for an online store is a website and storage space. You could run one out of your garage.

A gaming store has to pay rent, insurance, employee salaries, etc. The overhead is far, far higher.

However, without the local store the hobby won't grow as fast, if at all. You need the local store to really establish a community. A good game store becomes a focal point of the gaming community. Clubs are based out of them, etc.

But for a good store, IMO: space. Room for lots of tables to game in, otherwise, what's the point?

Organized events. Weekly game nights for 40K, Fantasy, Warmachine, Magic, RPG's, etc.

Really encourage the community. Have RTT's on a regular basis, forums, painting classes, etc. Only by providing a really positive and strong community with lots of space to game can a brick and mortar shop compete with an online store.

Food for thought though, if a brick and mortar store has a strong online presence that brings in a large amount of revenue, like the warstore, they could probably afford to offer discounts in their physical store as well (which I believe is what the warstore does).

That way you have the best of both, and a larger market to sell to.

My game store gives discounts
But the problem is that they don't have all the models available .

the only thing i wish is that gaming clubs have (besides eveything already mentioned) is proper heating.
Always have to wear a sweater there because else i freeze to death. but happily the club will do something about that before winter comes.

Sillyboy

And, if any gamestore owners are reading this, print out color copies of what each model and figure in those stupid little bubble packs look like, so we can see what we're buying. Why the hell wouldn't you do this? Yet I've NEVER SEEN IT! You're single handedly condemning them to only be bought by people who know EXACTLY what they want.

R3con wrote:One with a liquor license.....sell me beer!

Curiously enough, that is my game store. Best store ever.

Neconilis wrote:

R3con wrote:One with a liquor license.....sell me beer!

Curiously enough, that is my game store. Best store ever.

Where is that? I am so there.

Oh yeah, no one under 16 unless accompanied by a parent.

snurl wrote:

Neconilis wrote:

R3con wrote:One with a liquor license.....sell me beer!

Curiously enough, that is my game store. Best store ever.

Where is that? I am so there.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/core/store_details.jsp?s=124

I love it there. Good people, good games, good food, and a liquor license.

RisingPhoenix wrote:And, if any gamestore owners are reading this, print out color copies of what each model and figure in those stupid little bubble packs look like, so we can see what we're buying. Why the hell wouldn't you do this? Yet I've NEVER SEEN IT! You're single handedly condemning them to only be bought by people who know EXACTLY what they want.

....because we already know what it's supposed to look like from other photo's......and the codex.....and the official websites......and conversions and stuff in WD Mag? Otherwise we wouldn't know we wanted it in the first place.

I have to say i enjoy my LFG's. Has about 10 different table, wide range of scenery. Good skilled Adult games, Runs regular touraments and all nighters, is located slightly out of town so dont have many problems with drunks e.t.c and has a car park.

Also has clean bathroom, wide selction of food and skilled staff who have a long history of GW games and other games such flames of war e.t.c

Only problem is i dont get down their enough :(

I guess the store concept is a bit different depending on the country/area.

For me, I live in an urban area, so parking is usually a no-no. You either pay to park the car or you simply get there by public transport.

Also, in Barcelona, the shops are extremely concentrated in what we call the "freak mile", because the 4-6 major freak-goods are within 5 minutes walking distance from each other.

You have a long-lasting store (20+ years) that started out being the sole importer of RPG games/novels and later evolved into bringing MTG also. They split the shop, kept the original for books only and the new one for MTG/RPG.

Then you have another that was the sole importer of Manga and similar, evolving into also bringing comics (huge selection) and merchandise. They tried GW but failed.

The best GW related perfoming is only like 4 years old, move into a new place 1 year ago and they have a pretty solid core stock plus RPG plus board games plus freak-merchandise (vampire teddy bears and similars, you get the idea). AND, they have a small cafeteria (6 tables?), quite simple with just sandwiches and drinks to affordable prices. They run a tourny a month (1 month WFB, 1 month 40k) and have something like 10 tables, with decent scenary.

The list of closed stores is SO long... and I guess it boiled down to price because, as you have said, they didn't offer many of the other perks stores do.

However, there is a question I'd like to throw: if it isn't from big model sales (you will all agree that most of us "serious" players make big orders from the net)... what is a store supposed to live from? Because you can't tell me that if someone wants to get 2 Battle forces or a small group gets something like 5 BF and a couple vehicles... they are going to go online, for sure!