What do you look for in a Gaming Store?

[Gamersrealm]

Let me just say - I LOVE Gamer's Realm - but last time I was in there, I was incredibly ticked off.


All I can say is "DOH!" and then promptly slap my forehead briskly!

Onm a more serious note... I am truly sorry you had a bad experience. Since you have been shopping with us for so long, I'm sure you know that we pride ourselves on our customer service and product knowledge.

However, and while this is a poor excuse, it is the truth, the West Windsor store is operating on a fairly new crew. They are coming along fine, but like with anyone else, they are human, and will make mistakes.

I have printed out your post, and plan on bringing it up at our next staff meeting as an example of how "NOT" to handle customers.

Rob Placer - if you're reading this post - please teach some of your employees some customer service skills. I love the store but all it takes is one bad experience to send a customer packing. I'll certainly come back and give you another shot, but I hope I NEVER encounter that again.

Let me also say that the store was not busy at the time this happened, and I have NEVER - in the 5 years I have been going to GR had any issues with them previous. It could just simply be an isolated incident - which I hope it is.


I will certainly take it upon myself to do a better job training them. I always take it as a personal failure when one of my employees does not satisfy a customer's needs (outside of really bizarre and exceptional requirements). Your case was neither bizarre nor exceptional, and should have been handled differently.

Again, I will look into the matter, and have the appropriate employees flogged, whipped, chained, and beaten... er... wait... I meant reprogrammed... er... retrained. <smile>


That all being said - what I look for is what GR is - good selection, decent help but not overbearing, good layout - which I think means the gaming section is at the BACK of the store so that it doesn't interrupt flow of traffic, decent size aisles and large selection. Gamer's Realm has all of this. I also like to see games other than RPG's - board games, card games, etc...so that I can see what's going on in all aspects of gaming. I especially like the "NEw release" rack - this shows me everything coming into the store for the week - one sweep with my eyes and I can see the latest releases!

Well, I'm glad to hear we do some things right. Again, we do try to be a general gaming store, providing fun and games for everyone, of all interests and ages.

Finally, if anyone ever does have a problem with something we are doing at The Gamer's Realm, please do not hesitate to get a hold of me personally. I promise I will do my best to rectify the problem.

Thanks for the comments,

 

[drnuncheon]

Gotta say though, I like some of the stores out in Pittsburgh. Phantom in the Attic (Squirrel Hill/Shadyside) and the one ten miles north of Pgh were very good. Wouldn't mind moving there except for the parking.

I think you mean the Phantom in Oakland, on North Craig? That's an excellent store - plenty of older mechandise, gets new stuff in quickly. There are other Phantom stores, but none of them are anywhere near as good as the Oakland one.

There's also Games Unlimited on Murray Ave in Squirrel Hill. It's OK. Great for boardgames and such.

The one 10 miles north of Pittsburgh - I'm just guessing that's my FLGS, Game Masters on Babcock Boulevard. Friendly owners, good selection, and lots of in-store gaming space (which Phantom has, but only for wargames). (And a big 'hi' to anyone in the Wednesday night Champs game - Hector wants me to mention that his nephew plays D&D. Sorry, running joke.)

There's a few others in the area (Bill & Walts comes to mind, and there's one downtown whose name I forget) but they're generally hobby or comic stores with a tiny selection.

J

 

[Jasperak]

Game Masters that is it. I couldn't remember the name. That place was great. I like any store that has used games and the people were a great help.

The one thing I have noticed though is that there seem to be some stores that are not in the phone book. Makes it very difficult for one like me that travels around looking for stores. I love collecting older mods and books. I wish there was a better way to find game stores.

Does anyone know if there is a listing of gaming stores everywhere? Maybe we should make one.