Doh! Just saw your address. Looking at a map, it looks like you are right near or on the corner of Rt 66 and 7th? Is that correct? Also, are you open 7 days, or just certain, and what hours, so I can make sure you'd be open.

Thanks.

Hey Atomic. Yes, we are located right off of Rt 66 on 7th. 112 E 7th to be exact. Our store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, which may change, but not for a few weeks. I would be happy if you would stop in. I could always use layout and product advice, as we will be acquiring more fixtures and products every week.

I have decided that I will be signing up with the CBLS. I will give it a few months and see how it affects foot traffic. The only real reservation I have about it is due to my location. Since I am in a more rural area I don't think it will be as effective.

Oops, I meant CSLS. While I am back on here, what other kind of products do you carry? Do you strictly carry comic related merchandise? Recently, I have been focusing on gaming and it seems to be doing fairly well. I want to offer a wide selection of products, but I also don't want to be stuck with dead product. Also, could you recommend someone who does affordable custom display cases?

There's a great company that makes PERFECT card dispenser setups, for Magic and LOTFR, and LOTR etc etc...it's all plexiglass and ships flat, and is under 100 bucks. I dont remember the address, because we bought it years ago, but the info is probably still in CBG. Holds 25 boxes of card packs when its set up and is very cool.

also check out this website for display cases for product:

http://www.displaycasej.bigstep.com

They are just GREAT!

You will find as time goes on that even though you are a comic shop, the gaming people (heroclix/mage knight, magic, pokemon etc etc) will toss their money at you in much greater quantities than comic people will.

Sad but true.

Thanks for the link. I found a few nice cheap displays.

L5R is pretty popular out here too. My gaming friends are all about that stuff. Even for the story material alone.
Good luck with your store. It's admirable to see someone pursuing their dreams and not taking no for an answer.

What's new? Pictures and Words is now evolving. By the end of August we will finally be opening our upstair's area to the public. This expansion will bring a totally new aspect of our store into the light. We have teamed up with a number of local professional artists to create a commercial venue for their art. Essentially, it will be a gallery and we will have a viewing party, which will be announced soon. This area will also host our weekly gaming sessions. What other store has such a scenic gaming area?

As for recent business, it has been rather slow this week. Last week was an excellent week and we broke previous sales records.

While I have had issues with Diamond in the past, I would like to say that besides those initial account set-up problems, they have been an excellent business partner.

Nice! Hope it's fun for you.

Sounds like your business aptitude is helping everything along quite nicely. Diamond can suck terribly, but the also can and do work their asses off for your business. I know the Plattsburgh POS was awesome.

Glad to hear you are enjoying it.

Well, we have now been open for two months and so far I would say that the store has seen a slow steady growth. Each day seems to bring new suprises. I completely over ordered for next month and had to call Diamond to see if I could change the order. They were very understanding about my mistake and cancelled all the items that I requested. Looking two months in advance is like shooting at flies with a BB gun. This upcoming week is a big week for us, as we install our huge store front sign and start prepping for the upcoming gallery show.

If any of you people happen to be in the area feel free to stop in and I will hook you up with some free goodies. Free stuff is good right?

Hello Smackmore and Jack,

I have been reading your posts with interest for the several weeks now. I have been laid off twice in the last five years and like 'smack' I am considering going into the comics/gaming business here outside of Atlanta.

Some stores have come and gone here. Others seem to hang in. With the Spider-man movie doing so well and the Batman & star wars films on the horizon, I am thinking this may be a good time for the comic companies (and comics in general) again.
I am considering approaching current owners with the idea of becoming a partner. Using my own considerable collection and capital (not as 'considerable' but like 'smack', gotta start somewhere) to open another 'branch' of their current business with myself running the location.

Barring that, I may follow 'smack's lead and go it alone.

I tried dropping 'smack' a personal email to see how things were going a few weeks ago, but no reply. Is your address on here current?
so keep on trucking ...
Ray