Comics Attitude shop in New Brunswick, NJ closes.

I was surprised that this ten year old shop will close considering its well-stocked shelves and its helpful, knowledgable employees. More surprising is that it's a modern shop located on the county seat's main street just a block from the train station and a few blocks from Rutgers the State University of NJ.

I know that these are difficult times for comics retailers, but it's a shame this nice shop should close. The signs posted on the windows state that the lease was lost, but I suspect otherwise since no other location in New Brunswick will be sought.

Comic Attitudes (which used to have another outlet in Edison Township's Menlo Park Mall) will withdraw to its remaining location in Staten Island, NY. The New Brunswick, NJ shop on Albany Street between Neilson and George Streets will probably remain open until May 31, selling back issues at half price, current issues at 20% off, and paperbacks for a buck.

-JHW

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-Jeffrey H. Wasserman
Visitors to my website are always welcome!
http://www.homestead.com/JachSpake/JachSpake.html

Geez, another store closes. How sad. Does anyone know of any NEW stores opening anywhere?

I'm building my fifth store now, scheduled to open in West Orlando June 14th.
Unfortunatley, Comics Attitude is the second store I've heard of this week that has decided to close its doors.

Phil Boyle
Coliseum of Comics

Diamond Comics states new stores are opening weekly. (Yet to be seen). I can't consider 200 sq. ft. stores a real thrust into the industry.

"Diamond Comics states new stores are opening weekly."

"There's a sucker born every minute." -PT Barnum

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-Jeffrey H. Wasserman
Visitors to my website are always welcome!
http://www.homestead.com/JachSpake/JachSpake.html

Jeff:

Does this mean that you won't be making enquiries of Comic Attitudes' former landlord?

Yeah, Jeff, I'm hoping you will inquire a little further into the real reasons for closing. I've been trying to gather info and opinions while I consider opening a shop here in southern Pittsburgh. My band played an awesome club there in New Brunswick a couple of times, and I remember the area being kind of happening....I would think a comics shop would do well there. Hey, what was the name of that club? I remember playing downstairs....
Joseph

Well, guys, I already asked the sole store employee present if there were plans to relocate in the Hub City (that's New Brunswick's nickname, you know) and he told me no. Considering how there are lots of empty storefronts on the town's main street just around the corner, I suspect one of two things:

(1) Comic Attitudes just concluded there isn't a buck to be made in the burg in this depressed funny book business climate. That'd surprise me since New Brunswick's the county seat, site of two of the state university's campuses, and home for...

(2) ...world headquarters of Johnson & Johnson, the Band-Aide people. J&J's just across the street and various quasi-governmental organizations that it controls and funds rebuilt the town over the last twenty years from a down at the heels backwater into a frequently bleak cityscape with massive office towers that lack tenants (other than J&J subsidiaries) and street level store tenants. It's quite possible that Comic Attitudes was denied a new lease as part of J&J's attempt to turn the block Comic Attitudes is on into a more upscale shopping corridor. The Pizza Hut two doors down has also closed.

The departure of Comics Attitudes and several book stores gives me no reason to visit the Hub City anymore. And it's just four miles up the road from me.

-JHW


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-Jeffrey H. Wasserman
Visitors to my website are always welcome! http://www.homestead.com/JachSpake/JachSpake.html




[This message has been edited by jwasserman (edited 05-26-2000).]

Phil, I'm pleased to hear your good news! I'd like to send you some copies of Fresh. Is that alright? You can put them out to see what kind of reaction you get from your customers. MidTown Comics has a few set out on their racks, and I believe they're selling.

We put a price of $1.75 on an issue. If you sell them and they become popular ... you can place a retailers subscription at $1.00 per issue. The first batch are on the house...clear profit on your part for offering them up to anyone interested visiting your store(s). Just a thought. Thanks.

--Rick

Jeff,

I picked up my books at comics attitudes today and talked to the owner. Your right on both accounts.

Sokol