When a comic store comes calling

 

Mind's Eye Comics, above; and Eric Childs, below. Courtesy Childs/Mind's Eye

Eric Childs was a computer animation artist bringing his kids to the same comic store he went to 20 years ago when…the store's owner was ready to retire and fold the shop. Childs felt Mind's Eye Comics in Burnsville, MN had to be preserved for future generations, and he's doing just that. Read all about it HERE.

Jim McLauchlin

The RAREST of rare sports autographs

 

June/July Beckett Vintage magazine, and the ONLY autographed 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie

Within the rarefied air of special sports autographs, there's an even RARER air of population 1 and population zero signatures. Wanna know what the rarest are (and how they came to be that way)? Then check out the June/July issue of Beckett Vintage Collector, available in print and via Pocketmags.

Jim McLauchlin

New customer habits = better for stores

Customers developed new habits over the COVID pandemic, and in specialty retail such as comics and games, stores reaped the rewards. By and large, stores can be open for fewer hours, with GREATER sales. Read all about it over at ICV2.

Jim McLauchlin 

The comic store that's also a pizzeria!

 

Jen King (above) and Space Cadets (below); courtesy King

Jen King has never been afraid of a new idea, and that's reflected in the amazing array of product found at Space Cadets Collection Collection (yes, that's the name). The store recently added a pizzeria in the back!

To learn about Jen and what SHE'S learned in decades in business, click HERE and get thee to ICv2.

Jim McLauchlin

A lifetime in bookstores, and DOUBLING your store

 

Galaxy of Comics, courtesy Warren Jaycox

Warren Jaycox grew up in bookstores, loved bookstores, and by 2008. started his OWN bookstore. He doubled his shop's size when…the massage parlor next door to him got busted!

Learn all about Warren, Galaxy, and more HERE at icv2.com.

Jim McLauchlin

Trading Baseball Cards? STILL HOT!

Trading baseball cards? It's no longer kids sitting on the curb. It's online, largely through Twitter and sites such as SportsCollectors.net, high volume and high-value! Learn all about it in the March 2022 issue of Beckett Baseball, available in print, or digitally through Pocketmags.

Jim McLauchlin

From Living at the Store to Franchising Them

 

David Wheeler and Dragon's Lair, courtesy Wheeler

It's a rarity—no McDonalds, these!—but some comic/game stores are actually franchises. David Wheeler started Dragon's Lair in Austin, Texas 36 years ago (living at the store!) and these days, is franchising new Lairs across the country. Learn what he's learned HERE at ICv2.

Jim McLauchlin