Rich Waldbiesser of Six Feet Under Games in New Holland, Pennsylvania saw John Riley’s most recent Sharpening the Sword column (see “Sharpening the Sword—So What Happens Next”), and says that he feels that game stores can grow in a tough economy:

We are all hearing the doom and gloom predictions for the next two years and after reading John Riley’s latest column, I agree that we have a great deal to offer and actually believe that we can grow during these difficult times.  Games are a great distraction from bad news and hard times.  In addition, they are a great bargain at $50.  For $50 the entire family can have hours and hours of fun and socialization.  Try taking a family of four to the movies for less than $50.  Then try making that same $50 do it again.  That is the value of what we sell.

 

Historically, games are near recession proof.  There is a game that you might have heard about that was launched during the Great Depression.  I think it was called…, what was it… oh yeah, Monopoly.  Monopoly was originally sold door to door in the 1930’s for $10 or about one week’s salary.  If an unknown game could become such a hit during those times at that price, what we have to offer is much more affordable and varied than what was available then.  All we need to do is be careful about what we carry, clear out dead weight and focus on our customers.  Use your play space to encourage customers to get together in your store.  Make it feel like a community center.  Give customers a reason to come to your store.  Remember, this is your opportunity to be there for your community and show them that you are not the stereotypical dungeon.  When you help them get through the tough times, you will find that they will get you through the tough times as well and you will have long term customers on the other side.

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