Hey frens…I have been feeling “called” for several years to open a local retail shop (with online as well). It’s retail, but with a higher purpose. I recently had an opportunity open up for me: a small space, in a great location, at an affordable lease rate that will allow me to launch, start small, be self-funded, and grow over time.
Am I crazy for considering this during a time of growing inflation, pending doom in our economy, etc.? Or the contrary? Maybe getting started with a modest inventory is the place to be when SHTF, and then I’m poised and ready for the full “great awakening” financial comeback of the middle class?
My store type does not supply “essential” goods, per se, but definitely items that people will seek out to add more joy to their lives (a good thing when times get rough?).
I feel like God is leading me down this path, but I’ve not made the best financial choices in my past, having had horrible timing, so I’m trying to explore all avenues. Any thoughts and ideas are welcomed!!
Our local comic book shop couldn't bounce back after COVID. The owner also sold board games and supplemented with food and snacks for the people who came in to play board games. However, he was so terrified of the scamdemic he made everyone wear masks and refused to allow anyone into the gaming area to play board games. He also no longer had set standard hours. All of this is ultimately what killed his business.
A bunch of his employees before he closed shop thought he was being ridiculous, so they opened their own board game store. Allowed people to come in and play board games with snacks and drinks. However, they struggled at first. So they branched out to comic books. Stole a lot of his business since he was never opened and didn't allow gamers in to play. They're doing very well now.
I'm not sure how a toy store would do with every other store, including grocery stores, selling toys. Makes me think of Toys R Us. All of our local toy stores went out of business years before COVID. Just depends on demand in your area. But gamers are very loyal, whether they're video gamers or board gamers, if you chose to sell any games and gave them some space to play or try them out. Or a new idea trying out toys?
I am not a comic guy, but have went into a few stores over the years.
Not to buy comics, rather to buy the odball other things they sell.
Such cool stores.
They sell stuff you never knew you would buy.
Love that.
Sad to hear it closed.
Fyi, i give my nerd friends a 50.00 gift card to the major game store in DFW every year.
Madness Games and Comics in Plano, TX.
Best game shop ever.
50 year old mens eyes light up like a child when they get that gift card. Hehe
Life doesnt have to be all serious. We can have fun also.
It was pretty sad when it closed. Been around for probably 20+ years. He just was too afraid to stay open during any normal hours. People would go up there to buy stuff, and the store was closed for the day. My husband eventually gave up. Then he laid off employees because he couldn't afford to pay them. They started their own game board shop. After he closed, they started selling comics. So at least there's one local comic book and board game shop still in the area.
My husband isn't quite that old, but definitely has the same reaction. 🤣