ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture: Pro-Games

Predictions for 2023 skewed to the positive among hobby game retailers, distributors, and publishers we interviewed, despite the challenges facing the economy and the games business.

PRO: Fall TCG Product Surge Stretches Wallets

Winners and Losers

March 24, 2023

A Fall surge of TCG products tested the limits of the market in 2022, leaving winning and losing brands behind, according to what we heard from retailers, distributors, and publishers in the TCG business.

PRO: In Depth: Hobby Games Channel Up 10% in 2022

After Spectacular 2021

March 23, 2023

We go in-depth into sales trends in the hobby games channel in 2022.

PRO: Channel Check: Five Below – Manga, Collectible Merch, Games

$5 Manga, Plus Discount Funko, Games

March 15, 2023

ICv2 stopped at a Five Below store at 5630 Washington Ave. - Ste. 4 (Village Center) in Racine, Wisconsin on Thursday evening of March 9, 2023.

PRO: Channel Check: Barnes & Noble (Games and Merch)

Orland Park, IL on March 4, 2023

March 15, 2023

We visited the Barnes & Noble store at 160 Orland Park Pl, Orland Park, Illinois 60462 on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

PRO: Channel Check: Walmart Supercenter - Graphic Novels, Manga, and Games (March 4, 2023)

Geek-themed Easter Baskets on Display at Orland Hills, IL Location

March 7, 2023

ICv2 visited the Walmart Supercenter at 9265 159th St. in Orland Hills, Illinois 60487 on the Saturday evening of March 4, 2023.

PRO: Channel Check: Games at Party City

Bankrupt Chain Stocks Party Games

March 6, 2023

We stopped at a Party City to see how the troubled retailer was handling games, and found a limited selection of adult party games in an apparently reduced section.