Change that to "some" Parents. Then again I am likely to be there gaming with my kids anyway not just dropping them off and hoping someone else will watch over them for me. I have no problem generally speaking with my kids being around alcohol ( I have a well stocked liquor cabinet in my home and there is always beer in the fridge). I have talked with them about alcohol and responsibility more than once and I am a responsible drinker.
On 8/6/07, Kimberly Terrill <kiter5@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
*No flame suit needed, but I have a bit of a different perspective on the kid thing- I don't like the BAR part... as a mom to 3 boys who love to play at the FLGS. I think we need to have it as place where kids can play. Even if it is only a part-time alcohol- parents would be more comfortable if it's not there at all. (hey- keep the kids off the streets and out of truble AND keep the gaming interest alive in our 'next generation')
there aren't many kids that play in our stores, but there are a few and most are well behaved (just as much as any of the adults there). and our store had two seperate rooms ( if you want to have kid free play or kid-only- they were useful). I do agree with the need to have 'kidless play' and be able to get away from them and the need for kids to not be obnoxious and rude (but the same goes for adults)
and lots not forget free WiFi for my laptop...LOL...
--Kimberly
On 8/6/07, David Artman <
david@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 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
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