Scott Thorne’s recent ICV2 column got me thinking about the changes our industry has experienced over the years and it truly is amazing. For me it goes far beyond product categories.
The biggest change I notice is the incredible passion and energy today’s stores put into running great events. New York, Tokyo, Rome, Sao Paolo, Sydney, Shanghai, Seoul -- literally everywhere I travel hobby stores are creating wonderful experiences for long time gamers and new gamers. The growth in event numbers is astounding especially when compared with just five or six years ago. Now stores around the world sanction thousands of events for Wizards games alone, not to mention all the other play happening in these stores.
We at Wizards believe that the industry will grow because stores will continue to evolve to compete with experiences that create loyal, lasting relationships that go beyond product transactions. Scott is right that products will come and go in unpredictable ways but one thing is certain -- customers will go to establishments where they are treated well, are entertained, have great experiences, and enjoy the company of likeminded people. Let’s work together to make sure that place is the local hobby game store.
The opinions expressed in this Talk Back are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.