The store, which boasts an inventory of over 1 million comics, has been in its current location for 15 years, and the Giroux’s were shocked to receive a notice of non-renewal for their lease in the mail last October. The business next door, Phoenix Skin Medical Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology, had apparently gone to the owner and negotiated a deal to turn the retail space into a waiting room for its successful cosmetic surgery center. “As my husband says, ‘BOTOX pays better than comics,’ Marsha Giroux told ICv2.
The Girouxs found an unfinished retail space in the Uptown Central Phoenix area where they could relocate in July, but the cost of setting up the new shop, which will include adding walls, floors, slatwall, signage, fixtures and more, is more than they anticipated. There is also the cost of hiring movers to relocate that inventory of 1 million comics, and the lost revenue for being closed for the move to consider.
The Girouxs’ son, Ben Giroux, suggested they turn to Kickstarter to enlist community support. Ben Giroux also happens to be a professional videographer and actor from LA who runs his own YouTube channel, so he hired a local Arizona crew and filmed the campaign video for his parents. “We knew nothing,” Marsha said. “He asked us questions, and interviewed some of our customers.” Alan and Marsha didn’t know what to expect, but were overwhelmed by the final video. “That’s why we’re still doing it,” she said. “We have so many amazing customers.”The Kickstarter, which runs through March 11, is seeking $33,000, and offers backer rewards including assorted packs of comics and limited edition t-shirts.