Daniel Yarrington of Myriad Games in Salem, New Hampshire, read retailer and publisher comments about CCG pre-releases and internet discounters (see 'Bill Eckman of Classic Cards & Comics on Loren Greenwood's Comments') and thinks the best way for publishers to support hobby stores is to offer products to them before the mass and online discounters:

After digesting the comments from various retailers and manufacturers regarding options for supporting core hobby stores, I'm inclined to agree with the recent comments by Bill Eckman. One of the best ways to support quality local stores, those fervent champions of core games, would be to facilitate early access to games via those stores. By making both demo copies (to help with soliciting preorders) and early sale copies available through top-notch local stores, manufacturers can encourage customers to purchase their products from their friendly local game stores.

Having a significant time advantage over online and mass market competition would drastically alter the market by reinforcing core stores. Controlling the quality standards in which their products are featured and sold should realize substantial benefits for new customer acquisition and existing customer retention.

Since many companies have no problem selling games months before their release, at large events like GenCon, they should understand the similar benefits of focusing marketing and sales efforts on the channels that are the most dedicated to promoting their products. In many cases, the programs are already in place where manufacturers support premier event organizers through series of prereleases. Diversifying that support to a larger base of service-oriented, consistent, core stores would ensure that local gaming communities survive and thrive.

The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.