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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/21 22:38:34
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Most Glorious Grey Seer
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pretre wrote:Contact landlord who is now out a tenant.
Make a deal.
Open new FLGS...
Profit?
The FB post didn't indicate they were moving out, just reorganizing into a one-man shop. They're probably reducing floorspace for the GW store and having the rest allocated for a new shop or taken over by an existing shop on either side of the GW store.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/21 22:42:00
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Enigmatic Sorcerer of Chaos
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What Breotan said.
They're basically scrapping the gaming side and dumping all but one of the staff members.
I suppose from a corporate standpoint they'll be making a better profit, as right now they're actually paying for 3 store lots.
They'll definitely be making less sales with the absence of players, but with a lower rent and a few less employees, I can understand why they're doing it.
Shame that I'll have to find a new location to play at though.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/21 22:51:29
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Decrepit Dakkanaut
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One salesman should be enough to serve a small community like .... LOS ANGELES???
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/21 22:58:52
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Wraith
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Well, to be fair, there are something like 8 GW stores in the Los Angeles area (within 50 miles of the centre of LA), albeit mostly on the edges. Of course, there are also something like 30 independent retailers in the same area. http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/storelocator/search.jsp#page=results&radius=50&address=Los%20Angeles%2C%20CA%2C%20USA&latlng=34.052234,-118.243685&showGWS=true&showIndependantRetailers=true Map's not 100% accurate since it still shows Dragon's Den Games on Sunset, which AFAIK hasn't existed in at least two years.
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This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/01/21 22:59:43
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/21 23:15:21
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Using Inks and Washes
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Love the typical marketing BS:
In order to serve you better we are giving you less.
Just be honest for your reasons and not spew out meaningless drivel,
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2014 will be the year of zero GW purchases. Kneadite instead of GS, no paints or models. 2014 will be the year I finally make the move to military models and away from miniature games. |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/21 23:59:00
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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pretre wrote:Contact landlord who is now out a tenant.
Make a deal.
Open new FLGS...
Profit?
"Open a new FLGS" and "Profit" are, sadly, very rarely seen in the same sentence...
What's the old saw? "How do you make a small fortune in gaming"? Start with a large one!
Valete,
JohnS
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Valete,
JohnS
"You don't believe data - you test data. If I could put my finger on the moment we genuinely <expletive deleted> ourselves, it was the moment we decided that data was something you could use words like believe or disbelieve around"
-Jamie Sanderson |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 00:18:20
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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[DCM]
Dankhold Troggoth
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What makes you say that? The old Bunker location was a draw for people all over, even outside of the state.
The new Bunker is, from what I know, much less frequented. I don't even know why they opened it. The old manager of the OLD bunker opened up a new, independent FLGS in the awesome old Bunker location. It's doing quite well, and I don't go into GW stores hardly ever now, and thus don't have to stick to buying their models.
I think the decision to close the Bunker in the Baltimore area, give little to no news of what their plans were, and then suddenly re-open it in the middle of nowhere was really poor decision from a business perspective. Obviously, I don't have their numbers, but the old bunker did tons of business and as I said, was a draw for a huge area.
It's not cheap to start up, then close, then set up new stores either. From everyone I know who posts here OTHER than BrassScorpion, the new Bunker has been a flop and they've taken their business elsewhere. And it can't be to draw in new folks because of its' location.
" GW knowing something I don't" doesn't work for me when I can see with my own eyes the result on the gaming community. Which is, the community is fine, but many people started supporting other companies now that they're playing in independent stores. Great for the hobby, bad for GW.
But they'll stick to their strategy to the bitter end, because they can effectively recruit a few more people into the hobby, while losing the business of the established community. Smart companies realize that you can try to do both, without alienating either group. *Shrug* they'll learn as they lose more and more market share, and again it's good for the hobby/community at large, so I say keep on going
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 00:23:16
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Morphing Obliterator
The Frigid North of Minneapolis
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I never went here, not simply because there are closer places, but because the rabid, pushy, aggressive attempts by the staff to sell me as much as possible were tremendously irritating. I won't mourn this loss, though for those who did like to go there for the tournaments/space for gaming, this does kinda suck.
-C6
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 00:23:49
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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You Sunk My Battleship!
San Ramon
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"you can be assured that you will still have access to the same, great range of Games Workshop product as before"
oh wow, thank god for that, one cant possibly get these anywhere else. Oh well I guess yet another group of gamers will learn the joys of internet discounts
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 00:25:19
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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[DCM]
Dankhold Troggoth
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As I posted above (rather long-windedly) though, it could actually be a good thing for the community. Turn to an independent store, open up horizons to new gaming, and let the days of being able to Only use GW models/rules/products lay behind you
There's a wide world of miniature collecting out there, and GW is shoving their fan-base out into it
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 00:29:28
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Aspirant Tech-Adept
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catharsix wrote:I never went here, not simply because there are closer places, but because the rabid, pushy, aggressive attempts by the staff to sell me as much as possible were tremendously irritating. I won't mourn this loss, though for those who did like to go there for the tournaments/space for gaming, this does kinda suck.
-C6
I went there a few times. But I was usually ignored after they realized I wasn't interested in buying anything and just wanted to get in on a game. Actually, it seemed like if you weren't a regular they treated you like a nobody.
Sympathies for those that enjoyed the space.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 00:50:33
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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World-Weary Pathfinder
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azgrim wrote:If im understaning this right ,there will be alot of displaced bunker regulars ,but where will you all go?
There's a store called Mercenary Market about 10 miles down the freeway which should benefit from the Bunker losing its gaming space. Otherwise game stores (with dedicated space) in O.C. are rather limited. The Realm is great, but would be quite a drive for most Bunker regulars.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:07:29
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Archmagos Veneratus Extremis
Home Base: Prosper, TX (Dallas)
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@RiTides
Take a breath buddy. I was referring to Pretre's comment about renting the same spot and opening a FLGS. As I'd heard that's what the previous Baltimore Bunker manager did and the store is doing well. Could be wrong, I obviously don't live in the area
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Best Painted (2015 Adepticon 40k Champs)
They Shall Know Fear - Adepticon 40k TT Champion (2012 & 2013) & 40k TT Best Sport (2014), 40k TT Best Tactician (2015 & 2016) |
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:15:27
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Legendary Master of the Chapter
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And so the war gaming desert that is the south bay area continues to grow.
I hope a gaming club or store opens up soon in the immediate Torrance area.
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Unit1126PLL wrote: Scott-S6 wrote:And yet another thread is hijacked for Unit to ask for the same advice, receive the same answers and make the same excuses.
Oh my god I'm becoming martel.
Send help!
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:16:47
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Knight of the Inner Circle
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Can't wait until those idiots realize that its the gaming space that gets the income. More time spent in store = dwindling self control. That's how it was at my GW. Fired the manager for not being a cut throat business man, cut tables in half reopened. Curiously, 2 managers later they put tables back. Gee, wonder why.
On a side note, I imagine we will be seeing a lot more "reopening" bunkers as Emperor I mean CEO/Chairman Kirby gains complete control
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/01/22 01:17:06
6000 points
4000 points
Empire 5500 Points
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:18:18
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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Well this is unfortunate news. My friends and I just started going to the bunker in September and have enjoyed the staff and regulars there.
Does Brookhurst Hobbies have table space or is it just a retailer?
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:23:02
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Legendary Master of the Chapter
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DarkTraveler777 wrote:Well this is unfortunate news. My friends and I just started going to the bunker in September and have enjoyed the staff and regulars there.
Does Brookhurst Hobbies have table space or is it just a retailer?
If I recall they have a table or two at the front of the store (not sure in the back) but every time i go some one is playing something on it.
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Unit1126PLL wrote: Scott-S6 wrote:And yet another thread is hijacked for Unit to ask for the same advice, receive the same answers and make the same excuses.
Oh my god I'm becoming martel.
Send help!
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:23:27
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Decrepit Dakkanaut
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With the amount of internet discount retailers are folks really surprised at the down sizing of brick and mortar and one man stores?
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 01:51:14
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Legendary Master of the Chapter
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Does this mean Yvette will be the only employee there? Or is Drew finally getting that promotion he wanted, monkey's paw-style?
Frankly, I think this is a fairly self-destructive move on GW's part, although I admit I have no idea how much they were taking in versus the rent. Brookhurst Hobbies is 10 minutes away, offers a discount (only 10% now, due to economic troubles, although they do have many sales), and has room for gaming. They also have a huge aisle of Warmahordes, Dust, Infinity and Malifaux between the door/POS and the GW items. The battle bunker used to be much busier than BH, but I can't see the crowd paying full retail without the draw of gaming tables and painting space.
Unfortunately, I think this will hurt the local gaming scene, too. The battle bunker was very friendly and inviting, and according to my wife, far less creepy. (Although still kind of creepy.)
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 02:00:16
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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Byte wrote:With the amount of internet discount retailers are folks really surprised at the down sizing of brick and mortar and one man stores?
No...and yes.
One of the things which GW always uses to provide cause for their pricing (as well as GW supporters) is that they provide a popular game that is easily accessible through their stores. Dropping to one man stores works against that claim.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 02:28:10
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Ork-Hunting Inquisitorial Xenokiller
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nickthewise wrote:
There's a store called Mercenary Market about 10 miles down the freeway which should benefit from the Bunker losing its gaming space. Otherwise game stores (with dedicated space) in O.C. are rather limited. The Realm is great, but would be quite a drive for most Bunker regulars.
I've never been to mercenary market how is the crowd there?What is the best day for random gaming?Do they ever run tournaments?
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 02:31:08
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Hellion Hitting and Running
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Sad news. I just started playing 40k last year and the major appeal for me was that there was gaming space. I just started a skaven army that will probably only see a few games. I can't see the one man shop working out that well, because you can get the same product cheaper and just as easy elsewhere. The ONLY reason I bought things from the BattleBunker was to support the gaming space. I gladly pay 10%+ more for the same product because I felt I needed to support the store. Now if the gaming area is gone there is no reason to go there. It is easier for me to go to say Brookhurst hobbies and buy all the same product + get any materials I need and get a 10% discount on everything. I do not see how the one man GW will possibly survive.
I am very curious to find out where the bunker regulars are going to go.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 02:39:35
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Dakka Veteran
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I think rent in LA is rediculous
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 02:42:02
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Focused Dark Angels Land Raider Pilot
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Could not find Mercenary Market anywhere. I have been to the Realm before but it has always been a ghost town in terms of table space.
Good friends with people from Brookhurst but they just dont have GW gaming that often.
I grew up the the war house, but their space is super limited, and the last time I was there it was yugioh and other card games on sat/sunday nights. May have to see if there is a local gaming group in the area if the trip to Pasadena is too much/the crowd there is too elitist for me.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 03:36:34
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Morphing Obliterator
The Frigid North of Minneapolis
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azgrim wrote:nickthewise wrote:
There's a store called Mercenary Market about 10 miles down the freeway which should benefit from the Bunker losing its gaming space. Otherwise game stores (with dedicated space) in O.C. are rather limited. The Realm is great, but would be quite a drive for most Bunker regulars.
I've never been to mercenary market how is the crowd there?What is the best day for random gaming?Do they ever run tournaments?
I've been there a few times, and the folks are really nice, it's spacious, a ton of terrain, and some regular gaming nights ( GW, PP, and more).
I'd definitely recommend it. I've been going there rather than the other nearby GW store in Tustin (with just two tables).
-C6
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 04:00:52
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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World-Weary Pathfinder
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catharsix wrote: azgrim wrote:nickthewise wrote:
There's a store called Mercenary Market about 10 miles down the freeway which should benefit from the Bunker losing its gaming space. Otherwise game stores (with dedicated space) in O.C. are rather limited. The Realm is great, but would be quite a drive for most Bunker regulars.
I've never been to mercenary market how is the crowd there?What is the best day for random gaming?Do they ever run tournaments?
I've been there a few times, and the folks are really nice, it's spacious, a ton of terrain, and some regular gaming nights ( GW, PP, and more).
I'd definitely recommend it. I've been going there rather than the other nearby GW store in Tustin (with just two tables).
-C6
I've actually never been, but everyone who has recommends it. I think they have run at least one 40k tournament before, but I don't get the feeling they do it regularly.
Web-site: http://www.mercenary-market.com/
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 04:14:55
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Crafty Clanrat
Lodi ca
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WellI live in Northern California up in Sacramento we have great escape games to play at. I see a lot of posts about getting product cheaper etc. My two cents is support your local game store as we all need a place to play. If you buy all your stuff online soon there will be no more places to play. I also like fostering the game commuinity.. Enjoy the games
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 05:06:35
Subject: Re:LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Enigmatic Sorcerer of Chaos
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DarkTraveler777 wrote:Well this is unfortunate news. My friends and I just started going to the bunker in September and have enjoyed the staff and regulars there.
Does Brookhurst Hobbies have table space or is it just a retailer?
Brookhurst has hardly any tables. 2 tables in the front that are usually cluttered with items that still need to be stocked. Regardless of their gaming space, the store is going to benefit greatly from this. I know a lot of people (myself included) who would occasionally buy a lot of stuff at the Bunker for the sake of "helping out" since they allowed the free gaming space. Now that that's gone... well... I like my Brookhurst discount.
BobtheInquisitor wrote:
Does this mean Yvette will be the only employee there? Or is Drew finally getting that promotion he wanted, monkey's paw-style?
Frankly, I think this is a fairly self-destructive move on GW's part, although I admit I have no idea how much they were taking in versus the rent. Brookhurst Hobbies is 10 minutes away, offers a discount (only 10% now, due to economic troubles, although they do have many sales), and has room for gaming. They also have a huge aisle of Warmahordes, Dust, Infinity and Malifaux between the door/POS and the GW items. The battle bunker used to be much busier than BH, but I can't see the crowd paying full retail without the draw of gaming tables and painting space.
Unfortunately, I think this will hurt the local gaming scene, too. The battle bunker was very friendly and inviting, and according to my wife, far less creepy. (Although still kind of creepy.)
Drew hasn't been an employee at the Bunker for quite a while. I believe he got moved to being a manager at one of the one man stores in the area.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 05:28:20
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Calculating Commissar
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I heard that the LA Bunker was supposed to be huge. Sad to see it go. I hope this isn't a sign of what might happen to the Seattle Bunker.
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![[Post New]](/s/i/i.gif) 2013/01/22 05:57:51
Subject: LA Battle Bunker closing, going through reorg... becoming a "hobby center"
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Most Glorious Grey Seer
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I heard that all the remaining bunkers (except Memphis) are likely to disappear once their leases are up. To my knowledge, none of them generate an actual profit. I also expect a lot of the smaller shops in crowded (by other GW stores) areas like Seattle or LA to pull up stakes once they become unprofitable.
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