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Hi everyone!

Firstly, if this against any posting rules, please accept my apologies and delete if necessary.

I'm currently working on bringing a gaming shop to Gloucester in the UK and well into the planning phase. As part of my planning I need to do some research on both the market, and hopefully the local area too. I'm an avid gamer myself but I don't claim to know every so I need your help.

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you could complete my survery. It's aimed at those in the UK but anyone can complete it. You can find the survey here.

http://goo.gl/forms/VCEYxRXn0v

Even better, if you are from the Gloucestershire area and would like to see a local gaming store in your area, you can find the local variation of the survey.

http://goo.gl/forms/31FrtavOgL

Feel free to sound off in the thread with your thoughts on local gaming stores, what's good, what's bad what you'd like to see etc etc.

Thanks and if you have any questions, give me a shout.

Done...

For the record, none of the games I'm currently collecting were on your main list and there was only 1 space for Other.

My main games therefore are...

X-Wing (so hot right now)
Dropzone Commander (bit of an emerging following)
Guild Ball (just starting out, but played a few games and it's great fun)

Good stuff, thanks. I've added another large text box for others.

Cheers!

Done,
Maybe add DZC

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your response so far. This will all help make Gloucester's LGS even better!

Keep them coming.

I live absolutely nowhere near Gloucester.... (as a matter of fact, I'm an American huehuehue) but I've been to quite a few LGS since I move a lot so I hope my contribution can help.

I've seen both good and bad stores (you can read about a bad store here: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/636923.page) but assuming you don't conduct immoral business such as that and is generally nice to people who pay...


1. If you will treat miniature games (40k/Fantasy in particular) having a "brick and mortar ebay" is solid gold. I've been to one store who did this and to this day it was one of my favorite. Basically people can drop off gaming materials they don't want anymore for a small price and the store puts it up for sale. And its pretty wonderful. Just the sheer fact that people can just bring in models and get cash along with the fact that you can find second-hand models for relatively cheap price is great. Like a squad of Chaos Space Marines (10 Marines, all pieces present, mix of special weapons, champ, bolters, etc) was going for $26 USD. This system (in my honest opinion) encourages people to try out expensive games like 40k and generally increases traffic to your store. For instance, people are a lot more willing to start up a 40k army when it doesn't cost minimum $300 USD. Another customer. Good for the people, good for the store.

2. Sorta adding to the above, having auctions are always cool. Sorta like what happens above but with a crowd of people and one person saying "going once.... going twice...". Again, increases traffic to your store and makes people more optimistic about spending money. At another store I used to go to it happened once or twice a year around the holidays. Basically people bring in gaming related stuff they don't want anymore to the store and it goes on display for about 2 weeks where people can take a look. And during the auction day, they get sold. People who buy the auction items go up to the store and pay. People who sold auction items get store credits. So if you sell something for $500 USD in the auction, you get $500 USD store credit. Store profits, people get rid of stuff, good for both parties.

3. Painting sessions should happen more often. Seen too many people leaving their models grey thanks to the seemingly daunting task. Also a place where people can spray paint for priming would be great. Some live in places like apartments where priming models is a challenge.

4. Food and drinks! Big point a lot of stores actually miss for some reason. Man, I don't wanna walk outside in the middle of a 40k match to grab something to eat. Just soda and cookies are fine if you don't wanna get fancy but I've always dreamed of a LGS with microwaves and hot pockets....

5. Secondary sources of models. For example, you got Flames of War going? Bring in some Plastic Soldier Company stuff. People will like that. Very much. Indeed.

6. Have fun doing it.



Sorry about the big list but its a few things I could think of after years of wargaming. Obviously its just a VERY personal opinion so it might not sit well with you or others but hey, if you can get a few good ideas out of it, it'll be cool.

 Zaki66 wrote:
I live absolutely nowhere near Gloucester.... (as a matter of fact, I'm an American huehuehue) but I've been to quite a few LGS since I move a lot so I hope my contribution can help.

I've seen both good and bad stores (you can read about a bad store here: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/636923.page) but assuming you don't conduct immoral business such as that and is generally nice to people who pay...


1. If you will treat miniature games (40k/Fantasy in particular) having a "brick and mortar ebay" is solid gold. I've been to one store who did this and to this day it was one of my favorite. Basically people can drop off gaming materials they don't want anymore for a small price and the store puts it up for sale. And its pretty wonderful. Just the sheer fact that people can just bring in models and get cash along with the fact that you can find second-hand models for relatively cheap price is great. Like a squad of Chaos Space Marines (10 Marines, all pieces present, mix of special weapons, champ, bolters, etc) was going for $26 USD. This system (in my honest opinion) encourages people to try out expensive games like 40k and generally increases traffic to your store. For instance, people are a lot more willing to start up a 40k army when it doesn't cost minimum $300 USD. Another customer. Good for the people, good for the store.

2. Sorta adding to the above, having auctions are always cool. Sorta like what happens above but with a crowd of people and one person saying "going once.... going twice...". Again, increases traffic to your store and makes people more optimistic about spending money. At another store I used to go to it happened once or twice a year around the holidays. Basically people bring in gaming related stuff they don't want anymore to the store and it goes on display for about 2 weeks where people can take a look. And during the auction day, they get sold. People who buy the auction items go up to the store and pay. People who sold auction items get store credits. So if you sell something for $500 USD in the auction, you get $500 USD store credit. Store profits, people get rid of stuff, good for both parties.

3. Painting sessions should happen more often. Seen too many people leaving their models grey thanks to the seemingly daunting task. Also a place where people can spray paint for priming would be great. Some live in places like apartments where priming models is a challenge.

4. Food and drinks! Big point a lot of stores actually miss for some reason. Man, I don't wanna walk outside in the middle of a 40k match to grab something to eat. Just soda and cookies are fine if you don't wanna get fancy but I've always dreamed of a LGS with microwaves and hot pockets....

5. Secondary sources of models. For example, you got Flames of War going? Bring in some Plastic Soldier Company stuff. People will like that. Very much. Indeed.

6. Have fun doing it.



Sorry about the big list but its a few things I could think of after years of wargaming. Obviously its just a VERY personal opinion so it might not sit well with you or others but hey, if you can get a few good ideas out of it, it'll be cool.

Thanks for that, a few of those have actually already been worked in to the plan. Appreciate the input, at this point, anything helps!

Do you know where in Gloucestershire you are thinking of setting up FullerPrime?

I will say that the South West isn't particularly well stocked in terms of wargaming stores. Total Wargamer is a way out by Evesham and although following a re-launch and growing stock, is still pretty spartan compared to the likes of Firestorm Games or Wayland.

Obviously Cut'N'Thrust in Bristol has been gone for some time now. I know there is another couple of gaming stores (really, more like clubs that also sell bits and pieces).

One thing I would definitely ensure you do is to make a webstore alongside the bricks and mortar shop. It's a no-brainer in 2015.

 Pacific wrote:
Do you know where in Gloucestershire you are thinking of setting up FullerPrime?

I will say that the South West isn't particularly well stocked in terms of wargaming stores. Total Wargamer is a way out by Evesham and although following a re-launch and growing stock, is still pretty spartan compared to the likes of Firestorm Games or Wayland.

Obviously Cut'N'Thrust in Bristol has been gone for some time now. I know there is another couple of gaming stores (really, more like clubs that also sell bits and pieces).

One thing I would definitely ensure you do is to make a webstore alongside the bricks and mortar shop. It's a no-brainer in 2015.

We do indeed, we'll be setting up shop in Gloucester city centre. There's an established player base across a number of games in the area (and surrounding areas) but little in the way of choice for shopping apart from the internet or as you say, Total Wargamer in Evesham if you're willing to make the journey.

We're aiming to have a website run along the store featuring delivery and click and collect options to hopefully cover all bases.

Cheers!

Just a thought...

I was struck by the inclusive approach of Tabletop Gaming Magazine recently. They seemed to be saying games are for everybody, not just nerds/geeks.

I think a store that adopts this approach has a good chance of getting off the ground.

My main concern would be getting stuck with stock that doesn't shift. I pass through Forbidden Planet on a daily basis and you can tell what isn't selling (though that may be their GWesque approach to pricing which seems to ignore the fact that all of it is available on the internet for much cheaper).

 Flashman wrote:
Just a thought...

I was struck by the inclusive approach of Tabletop Gaming Magazine recently. They seemed to be saying games are for everybody, not just nerds/geeks.

This! A thousand times this! The stores that do well where I live have separated gaming and shopping areas, so that people that want to pick up a copy of Settlers or Ticket to ride don't have to walk through a sometimes loud and messy gaming area.

 Flashman wrote:
Just a thought...

I was struck by the inclusive approach of Tabletop Gaming Magazine recently. They seemed to be saying games are for everybody, not just nerds/geeks.

I think a store that adopts this approach has a good chance of getting off the ground.

Definitely! I liked the bit about the Green Bay Packers NFL team having regular Settlers of Catan playing evenings.

Think there is so much cross-over with wargames, board-games, TCG, RPGs, think ideally a gaming store will include all of these things.

Another tip is to have some standards to how the staff is dressed. I have visited shops where the staff is wearing grey sweatpants and worn, ill-fitting t-shirts, it doesn't give a very good impression.

I work in Gloucester city centre, I look forward to seeing your store. My wallet may be less pleased.

 jorny wrote:
Another tip is to have some standards to how the staff is dressed. I have visited shops where the staff is wearing grey sweatpants and worn, ill-fitting t-shirts, it doesn't give a very good impression.

Probably make sure your staff knows the games as well
That and no non business related distractions for them (dont want them on the laptop or what not instead of working)

I am not based i the UK, but filled in your survey.

Some suggestions:

- Terrain creation workshops. You could even get bits from say Thomarillion and ask peopel to pay 20 bucks or so for material costs etc. You get someone to show them how to make an inn etc. all for a fee naturally as anothe revenue stream.

- Get yourself a proper coffee setup (fair trade organic, freshly ground and use a filter or plunger. Avoid machine coffee) and if you want to go the extra mile freshly pressed juice, homemade cookies and cake, etc. Not a fully fledged cafe setup, but just little snacks of high quality. I would love something like this, especially if the prices are reasonable.

I think in general the more you diversify, the better. If peopel come in to shop with their family or spouse have something for everybody. Collectibels (or the aformenetioned coffe and cake), videogames, miniatures, boardgames, books etc. all in good measure obviously and only stuff you think you can sell.

I really liek the idea of a second-hand section. That would differentiate you from other places and might even give you an edge.

Finally, the shop should be inviting. Well lit and good airflow. I was often turned off by some gaming stores being dark, dank, smudgy and - as said before - the staff being not well dressed or in general the smell of the place not being very sanitary. Staff being a bit too much into wargaming and forgettign about the "work" side of thinsg is another thing you might need to monitor. Staff playing online games or being in general socially akward is a problem. Get people who are enthusiastic aabout your products. They can learn about products on the job, but their general work ethic is more important.

In your main questionnaire you use some abbreviations - RPGs etc - but I would recommend you explain what these are. You can't select something if you cannot fathom out the abbreviation! Thus your survey isn't as effective as it could be.

I appreciate the feedback guys thank you. A lot of what's been mentioned has already been planned in so it's good to know we're at least on the right track, but always open to suggestions. Everything helps and will ultimately make the shop better.

nanook wrote:
In your main questionnaire you use some abbreviations - RPGs etc - but I would recommend you explain what these are. You can't select something if you cannot fathom out the abbreviation! Thus your survey isn't as effective as it could be.

A fair point, I made a point of unraveling the abbreviations in our business plan and this should have been the same so it's now been amended. Thanks.