Jay Bardyla of Happy Harbor Comics & Toys in Edmonton, Alberta saw the article about Marvel VP David Gabriel spending an afternoon behind the counter of a comic store (see 'Marvel VP Goes Behind the Counter'),  and says he's happy about any efforts to improve understanding of comic retailing:

In regard to the article about Marvel Vice President of Sales David Gabriel's brief stint behind the counter of a retail comic shop, I have always felt that the executives of comic companies (and most creators) are out of touch with what we retailers have to endure to sell their product.  Often, when a comic fails, the finger is usually pointed at us ('If retailers had ordered more copies....').  Though I doubt spending one day behind a counter will give Mr. Gabriel any real idea of what we go through each Wednesday or at month end or the day before a Con, I will applaud him for at least trying to make a connection.

I think the most important thing that he can remember is that WE buy the product, WE put up the posters (when we get them) and WE talk up the books to the fans who help make their book a 'smash success'.  If the companies started treating retailers with more respect (like creating channels of communication; taking surveys from a greater selection of retailers; doing more promotion themselves, especially outside of the comics medium) I wouldn't expect them to spend any time behind the counter.  For now, I'll take any gesture to improve the industry no matter how small.

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