Japanime Games plans to create a "Retailer Support Program" over the next few months.  The program is based on two parts:  the first is a "Minimum Advertised Price Policy" for all retailers, starting next year.  The second is the creation of a "Premier Store Program" and expanded Organized Play.
 
The Minimum Advertised Price Policy will take effect on January 1, 2015.  It prohibits retailers from advertising prices online that are lower than 20% off suggested retail price.  "Japanime Games hope that this will reduce the concern many retailers have over the online deep discount distribution of their products," Japanime’s Marketing Director Erica Gifford said in a recent press release.
 
Japanime Games originally announced an Organized Play program at last February’s Toy Fair (see "'Krosmaster' OP").  At the time, the program was based around in-store tournaments, supported by participation and winner awards.  This program has since been expanded and modified to increase the incentives for retail stores to participate.
 
Tournaments will still be central to the program: in order for a retailer to qualify as a “Premier Store”, it must host at least one eight-player Krosmaster or Tanto Cuore tournament each month at its physical store location.  Under the revised program, participating stores are eligible to purchase special tournament kits, which including prize support, game boards, scenery, and play materials.  These stores can also take advantage of special pre-order offers for new releases, and gain access to limited edition product and promotional items.  To support its Premier Stores, Japanime has also announced an expanded demo team.  Premier Stores will be able to host these teams in their stores. 
 
Gifford expanded on the philosophy behind Japanime’s Retailer Support Program.  "The key to Japanime Games’ future is in the community it has fostered.  While we reach out to the community on Facebook, Twitter, and Kickstarter, as well as at over 30 conventions a year, it is vital to have the connection with the local game store.  This program will benefit our fans, the stores and the brands that we have been building over the last year."