> From: "Kimberly Terrill" <kiter5@xxxxxxxxx> > I think a 'gaming-cafe' would be a good solution- Games we can buy cheap on > the internet- so the FLGS will be a thing of the past soon, I guess. But we Funny you should post that about a minute before I suggested much the same as a value-add to the actual store. Your idea extends that to dropping the games but keeping the play space, basically changing the whole business model rather than augmenting it. But they games needn't be dropped as potential revenue channel. I had the idea years ago for a "Gamer Bar" that worked very similarly to a golf clubhouse: 1) Pro Shop: Your basic store, but without the extra value-adds: just shelves, product, and register. Everything in stock is on shelves (i.e. it's also your warehousing space). Its hours would be typical for a normal store in the area. 2) Bar: The playing space moves out to a full-service alcohol bar and coffee shop. You could even still offer playing aides like miniatures terrain or demo games (checked out by handing over a credit card as security, if you like). Its hours would reflect your actual service traffic for the area, be that opening for breakfast or not opening until just before dinner hour. 3) Restaurant: Not only does this bring in additional (even non-gamer!) revenue, but it's actually required in my area to serve alcohol without being a private club. Further, all those McDonalds wrappers won't fill up your bins; folks would be ordering burgers and fries from you! It also provides an area for younger customers who couldn't go into the bar without their parents (but more on that below). The key to the concept is being TOTALLY and OPENLY supportive of gaming in your area. Some schmucks come in and start mocking "those geeks playing in the corner": throw them out! Seriously (the gamers who see you do this will be forever loyal!). The whole point is to provide a place where gamers are welcome and encouraged; it's the non-gamers who have to "prove themselves worthy" to remain (i.e. by being respectful of the hobby and generally not being too distracting--drunken yee-hawing gets the boot). Another key is the fact that your hours can reflect the times people shop (afternoon and early evening) versus the times they play (almost any time, depending on day of week) versus things that interrupt those two (eating and carousing). Therefore, your utility use and staffing can respond to natural ebbs and flows of commerce for your area. Finally, it offers a place for adult gamers to be comfortable, away from kids if they so desire (*dons protective suit*). It's a sad fact that 90% of the gamers in my area WON'T play at the FLGS because of the kids; they meet at each other's homes instead. Another BIG reason we don't frequent the FLGS is that we like a bit of draft with our games, and the FLGS has none and couldn't have it because it would discourage parents from letting their kids stick around. But the two-part division of play space above solves that problem nicely: the bar becomes a bit of a retreat (or even somewhere for mom and dad to hang out while junior is playing a tournie in the restaurant!) but the restaurant is still there to give youngsters space too. Man... I'm talking myself into doing it. Anyone got about $100k to spare? ;) David