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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Celebrim" data-source="post: 6854785" data-attributes="member: 4937">Hobby Store is a tough business to get into.  I can't say I'd recommend it to someone without experience running a successful retail business of some other kind.You've got huge obstacles:a) Internet retail/electronic media: This is going to cut into your business heavily, as you probably aren't going to be able to sell products cheaper than people can find the same product online.  This means in 2016 you are going to need to monetize your play space in some fashion, getting people to want to spend money to be in your store or at least to spend money while they are in your store.  And doing that increases your overhead and sunk costs.b) Shoplifting/Disrespect of Property: Don't underestimate this one.  A great many of your shoppers in a traditional gaming store are going to be kids, many of whom are not particularly well behaved.  And at times your store is going to be really crowded and hard to manage.  There used to be a great blog out there 10 or 20 years ago about the adventures of a guy running a gaming store and all the crazy things he had happen to him before he gave it up.  I wish I could remember it.c) Fads: Demand for particular products can rise fast and fall just as quickly.  It's easy to get burned by over investing in something.That said, I think there is a demand to be met.  There are a lot of geeks with money out there, and a lot of need for adult entertainment options.  Consider a soda fountain/bar with table space physically separated out from your store space.  There are a lot of creative ideas for monetizing gaming that are more than just selling things you can get over the internet: rentals of equipment or tables/rooms, party rooms with video game or arcade game consoles, selling food/drinks, etc.  However most of that is going to vastly increase your budget, probably beyond your ability to invest.  And as I said, the simple retail store is also a gamble in this day and age.  I've seen so many stores just come and go over the years.   They aren't easy to keep going.</blockquote>

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