hans Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 I'm looking for thoughts/comments/suggestions on what would make a great gaming space for tactical minitaure games (WH40K, WarmaHordes, X-Wing). All feedback is welcome, but I am looking for your opinions on what to buy/build in terms of tables/chairs, terrain, playmats, environment, etc..I really appreciate all the feedback I can get. The store and game room will be located on N. Killingsworth and N. Mississippi, opening in July.-Hans 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 I'm looking for thoughts/comments/suggestions on what would make a great gaming space for tactical minitaure games (WH40K, WarmaHordes, X-Wing). All feedback is welcome, but I am looking for your opinions on what to buy/build in terms of tables/chairs, terrain, playmats, environment, etc.. I really appreciate all the feedback I can get. The store and game room will be located on N. Killingsworth and N. Mississippi, opening in July. -Hans The one area of portland I really haven't spent much time in. Address puts you right by the PCC Cascade Campus. I do know the area has lots of foot traffic, so you probably want to consider shop lifting when designing store layout and stocking. Probably a normal consideration with a new business, but I figured I'd mention it. If you have input in the building construction, suggest something in the exterior walls to repel cars, so you don't get hit as Red Castle did. Beyond that, I wish you success. Could use a hobby shop out there. I can't promise I'll be there, given I'm on the far end of town, but I'll probably visit. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans Posted May 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 If you have input in the building construction, suggest something in the exterior walls to repel cars, so you don't get hit as Red Castle did. I was going the direction of inventory insurance, but if I could get the landlord to invest in some tank traps it would save me money AND look cool in front of the store! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 I was going the direction of inventory insurance, but if I could get the landlord to invest in some tank traps it would save me money AND look cool in front of the store! Totally agree with the tank traps and am understanding if the foolish landlord doesn't see the value in proper store defenses. Costco actually puts three rows of their shopping carts in front of their store at night. I asked about it, employee said it was in response to things like this in other parts of the country. Anyway, do what you can. Personally, I'd look into a buffer stop concealed in the displays near the windows. If it's on the inside of the store, shouldn't be an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PourSpelur Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 A games store on Killingsworth street?!? Looks like you've got the name covered;) +Edit+ Now that I've got the jokes covered, actual advice: I have no idea what to recommend for actual physical products. My recommendation is more attitude based. Make your store inviting, greet people with a smile, be helpful without being pushy and show some pride in how the place looks. Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne_Cobbb Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 Dude! Turn tose Tank Traps into bike racks and Portland will love you. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans Posted May 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Dude! Turn tose Tank Traps into bike racks and Portland will love you. GENIUS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PumpkinHead Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 As every game store knows, MtG keeps the lights on, while the table top guys just take up space playing. If you do have gaming tables in the back, why always in the back?, make the boards an extra 18" long so people have a "side board" and a place to put their gear under so it is kind of out of the way. Not to push other peoples products, but the FAT mats are amazing! To get your tables up and running quickly a few of those mats layed out with terrain to match would look nice. Then if you sell the FAT mats to boot, win win. Beer is always a good selling point for gamers, but that takes extra work. I always wondered if Kambucha on tap down in that Portland region would be a good draw... Dude! Turn tose Tank Traps into bike racks and Portland will love you. Brilliant!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swan-of-War Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 If you want foot traffic, put the board games and chess sets in the front, gaming tables in the back. The average person isn't likely to walk into a store if the first thing they see is gamer ass crack. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dashneeb Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 It's true that Magic keeps things flowing. However, it's best to not stock niche things right away, so I'd stick with the essentials. As someone said, the normal, family style games in front, gamer tables and their stuff towards the back. Magic the Gathering, X-wing, and Warhammer products will probably end up being the bread and butter. Maybe some Warmachine, depending. Have a couple of tables for card game players some for wargame players, but unless you want a bunch of people just hanging out at your store for no reason, make sure that you're not essentially paying rent for a gamer group that might not support you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mr. Bigglesworth Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Prepared food and drinks at small mark ups can help. Microwave to and hot water access Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pretre Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 So, I guess this comes to mind every time I hear about a new store in the area. What is going to make you unique and viable in a crowded gaming store market? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taran.shannara Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Hub and Spoke.... Read this blog post if you haven'tBut the entire blog has some good starting out, running, and expanding points. http://blackdiamondgames.blogspot.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans Posted May 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Not to push other peoples products, but the FAT mats are amazing! To get your tables up and running quickly a few of those mats layed out with terrain to match would look nice. Then if you sell the FAT mats to boot, win win. I have been eyeing those F.A.T. Mats myself. They would be a great add to the space. I reached out to Frontline Gaming about them. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans Posted May 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Hub and Spoke.... Read this blog post if you haven't But the entire blog has some good starting out, running, and expanding points. http://blackdiamondgames.blogspot.com/ This blog is awesome, totally a must read for anyone thinking about getting into the business. He has also done a couple of great live interviews about the business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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