HailToTheThief
First Post
I agree with all the points of the OP, except half of one of them.
I think in-store-gaming shouldn't be shuffled to a back room. I also don't think it should be taking place front and center in the store to disrupt the shy "Let's see what this is all about" shopper as well.
I think that ideally the in-store gaming should be off to a side but visible, as part of the allure of in store gaming is attracting those who may not be familiar with a product and giving them an example of how it works when being played, with the hopes of getting them to buy into the game.
If all the fun was happening in another room, even if the door was left open, then I would automatically assume it was a private function, and thus might glance through the door for a second or two but in no way stand around long enough to try to figure out what is going on (much less have the audacity to ask if I could play).
There are 2 FLGS's in my area (Northern Kentucky) and neither one has regular in-store-gaming. Neither one has the room for it, truthfully. If either one did have a regular gaming nights I would most likely volunteer to run demos and sample games just to get people introduced to the product.
DS
I can see where you're coming from, and I could be ok with it, it's just a slippery slope. One of my favorite gaming stores in upstate NY originally had all open gaming upstairs. They then moved a couple of tables downstairs, but had a separate area with a single table and typically it was limited to board games. Now you literally have to squeeze past people to get to an entire section of the store. I will bite the bullet and do that to get to a game I've been wanting, but a casual customer sure as hell won't.
I personally am not a fan of open gaming in a retail area, but if it is something done carefully or as a promotion for a new game, it should be done in it's own area, at least away from product that customers will be browsing.