FLGS Research

[Nellisir]

Probably one of the most significant findings was that stores fit into 7 categories: Comic Focussed, Gaming Store, Gift and Games, Miniature Wargames Store, The Card Gaming Shop, The Diverse Store, and The Comic Store.

I've wondered about a "print media" focused store: newsstand, popular books, comic books, games (rpg & board). Obviously there are problems with this in with the rise of the ipad, but did you run across anything in that vein?

I worked in a bookstore for a number of years that was run as a sideline by a company that primarily dealt with newstands & magazines. Awesome magazine selection, great books, but I always thought their downtown location could of had half the floor space & made 90% of the same sales. They folded the whole chain in the late '90s. I still think there's a newstand-sized hole in downtown, near the State House....

 

[Thondor]

I've wondered about a "print media" focused store: newsstand, popular books, comic books, games (rpg & board). Obviously there are problems with this in with the rise of the ipad, but did you run across anything in that vein?

There are a few stores that came close, but nothing matches exaclty what you seem to be suggesting.

Their was a store called Dragon Lady Comics that carried vintage magazines as well as comics and a few classic pulp books (the second oldest store in Toronto at the time of my research). It has since closed, a new store, The Comic Lounge and Gallery has opened nearby.

BMV books (several locations) has a good number of comic back-issues and graphic novels, but it is chiefly a used bookstore. I ended up excluding it from my research for this reason. I don't remember it having any magazines.

The Paperback Exchange/The Comic Room in Scarborough -- as the name suggests this store blends a used bookstore with a full fledge comic-focussed store.

Sci-Fi world - a diverse store (games+comics) up at Steeles+Dufferin (Toronto), carries a good selection of sci-fi and fantasy novels. I don't believe that they carry general magazines.

Lots of comic or diverse stores carry things like "Archie's" or Manga, but this doesn't really match the criteria of having "newstand" magazines.

 

[Swedish Chef]

BMV books (several locations) has a good number of comic back-issues and graphic novels, but it is chiefly a used bookstore. I ended up excluding it from my research for this reason. I don't remember it having any magazines.

Sci-Fi world - a diverse store (games+comics) up at Steeles+Dufferin (Toronto), carries a good selection of sci-fi and fantasy novels. I don't believe that they carry general magazines.

BMV does carry a limited selection of magazines. However, they are primarily focused on used books and anything else is ancillary for them now.

Sci-Fi World closed down a few years ago and became Legends Warehouse in Vaughan at 400 & Langstaff. They have a large back area for gaming and carry a number of gaming items, collectibles, toys, clothing and similar items. They have a smallish comic back stock and some industry specific magazines.

 

[Thondor]

BMV does carry a limited selection of magazines. However, they are primarily focused on used books and anything else is ancillary for them now.

Sci-Fi World closed down a few years ago and became Legends Warehouse in Vaughan at 400 & Langstaff. They have a large back area for gaming and carry a number of gaming items, collectibles, toys, clothing and similar items. They have a smallish comic back stock and some industry specific magazines.

BMV - It depends on their location. It has been a little while since I made it to their Bloor location (471 Bloor St W west), but the whole top floor is dedicated to comic books. The reason it was excluded from the analysis is partially because the rest of the stores only have a few comics.

Sci-Fi world - interesting it was still operating Sept 2010. It was actually one of only 3 stores that declined to be a part of my Study. I had heard of Legends Warehouse but didn't realize there was a connection. One of these days I will have to make it up there.


Does anyone know what happened to the Store Locator that EnWorld had?