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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DreadPirateMurphy" data-source="post: 1629217" data-attributes="member: 20715">As for bringing in other people to the Game Parlor, I have to agree with Storm Raven.  More than once I've seen folks go in asking about board games, or comics, or something not directly related to RPGs, wargames, or CCGs.  I've also seen parents with pokemunchkins who undoubtedly get exposed to other products while they are in the store.  (Having said that, undoubtedly most gamers get introduced through word-of-mouth.  I remember being intrigued by the kid with the book that had the cool red demon statue on the cover.)Having read the posts, the reasons given so far seem to be:1)  The game store serves as a center for the gaming community (assuming it is a "good" store).2)  Many game stores provide services such as organizing or hosting matches and special ordering products.3)  Stores are convenient if you have to have the latest release RIGHT NOW.4)  Browsing the racks is fun, and is more likely to result in serendipitous discoveries of unknown or out of print games.The primary disadvantages of the FLGS is that it is a small business, and so it suffers from typical small business concerns:1)  It is hard to compete on price with online retailers.2)  They have to worry about theft, inventory, face-to-face customer service, etc., which can result in annoyances to the customer.Assuming the store is well run, then the primary difference is price.  If customers are willing to pay for minor luxuries, then the store will survive.  If they aren't, then they won't.  I buy products online, but when it comes down to it, I also go to the FLGS because the advantages listed above are worth sometimes paying higher prices (at least to me).</blockquote>

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