There are many lucrative job fields, but Jonathan shares that being a game store General Manager is not one of them. So what keeps him doing so to this day? How does he manage 9 employees and $250,000 in inventory while generating $1.5 million in sales?
--------
1:02:38
Divine Gamez With Store Owner, Evan
He is a gamer at heart and a store owner who still gets to play games actively at his store, Divine Gamez. Early into his game store owner journey, Evan LaBarge is already on his second store location. The first store was small but was out of a building owned by his father. Commander is a true joy for him, and his high-powered Commander deck can deliver 256 damage to all his opponents at once, but delivering a game enjoyed by his community is most important to him.
--------
1:10:22
Zia Comics With Store Owner, Troy
We know that game stores with multiple locations exist. Zia Games in New Mexico is one of them. However, have you heard of a store owner who also owns conventions? Yes, conventions, as in more than one. Store owner Troy owns three conventions in New Mexico. He shares how he finds store locations and his methods for building a successful convention. He's also willing to pivot when something is or isn't working.
--------
54:32
Duke City Games with General Manager, Alexandra
Have you ever been to a store that runs Magic: The Gathering Commander tournaments every night of the week? Not only does General Manager Alexandra do exactly that, but she'll run an event for any smaller niche game that may only turn out four players. Duke City Games operates four stores in New Mexico with its largest location supporting 100 players.
--------
49:39
Finch and Sparrow Games, With Store Owner, Michael
Michael, the owner of the Finch and Sparrow Games store, tells us that Magic: The Gathering is different from how it was five to ten years ago. As a game store owner, he specializes in card games, where Magic: The Gathering is 95% of his business. Michael believes in doing one thing well rather than being OK at multiple things, hence card games.
Whether you're a fan of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Digimon, board games, or any other tradeable card game, or you're looking to open a game store, this podcast gives you a behind-the-scenes look into what goes into running a game store in the United States.
USA