View Full Version : Opening a Game Store UPDATE!
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Buyatari
09-29-2005, 11:16 AM
I'm not turning away ANY good ideas or opportunities for partnerships or revenue at this point
You going to sell dvds as well?
Looking great!
Have you considered any commissioning type of arrangements? Since you know lots of collectors in your area, maybe they would be interested in selling stuff through your store, with you taking a % of the sale price. Just a thought.
You mean like consignment?Oops! Yeah, I used the wrong word.
orrimarrko
09-29-2005, 02:20 PM
You folks have already hit on a couple ideas that I consider "mission critical". A LAN center with networked PC's; a row of arcade machines; possible rentals... I've also thought about having weekend "exhibits", a kind of mini-museum where select systems/items are showcased under glass. That plus strippers. There need to be strippers.
NOTE: One or more of these ideas may not make it into the final product. 8-)
I hope the strippers don't get nixed... :eek 2:
digitalpress
09-29-2005, 07:44 PM
NEW PICTURES!
Check out how the store is coming along.
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
PS Adam, yes I'll be selling and taking trade-ins on DVDs.
Buyatari
09-30-2005, 12:29 AM
PS Adam, yes I'll be selling and taking trade-ins on DVDs
email me if you need help with starting inventory. You could pick them up on the way home after seans pary.
calthaer
10-06-2005, 10:03 PM
So is the store open yet? And do you carry imported Nintendo DSes? :)
Gamereviewgod
10-06-2005, 10:18 PM
How much are those Game Players in the center? ;)
We were trying to decide over on the Jaguar Sector forums what game you were going to run in the Jag kiosk - any ideas? 8-)
Sothy
10-07-2005, 12:39 AM
Checkered flag ?
kainemaxwell
10-07-2005, 12:43 AM
Love the setup. Color scheme and walls remind me of Funcoland of old.
Arqueologia_Digital
10-07-2005, 01:07 AM
Cool! i love that pics!!!, will you sell games to the argentinian community Joe???, i hope your answer will be good... :D
Cheers,
Matías
lendelin
10-07-2005, 11:11 AM
Looks great, very VERY tempting!
It is very smart to mix old systems and new ones, a display of Donkey Kong Country and GTA Vice City, a GC and Dreamcast with an Intellivision; it prevents the store from getting "labeled" as a retro-store or just another store which sells new stuff.
...and the collectors guides, additionally books about game history, refrences to the website, a couple of free DP 'zines on the counter, this will set you apart from other stores and is unique; and put some pics up from the CGE or the classic section of E3 with you and Bushnell or Baer or Wozniak and hang them in the book/guide section.
When I saw those Game Players and the boxed Turbogrfx my first thought was 'damn, why isn't this store in Milwaukee?' :)
You're on the right path, you'll see, it will be a big success!
Checkered flag ?
We thought Double Dragon 5 would be a good choice to deter shoplifters ;)
THATinkjar
10-07-2005, 11:21 AM
Loving the store, Joe. Any chance you can fly me out for the grand opening? Much obliged!
One thought... should you really be advertising Digital Press to the masses? Perhaps some business cards for the more discerning customer would be better advised.
digitalpress
10-09-2005, 04:38 PM
NEW PICTURES!
This past week has been about renovations, modifications, and EXCAVATION. Take a look at the dumpster we filled in the pouring rain yesterday!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
Love that monitor above the counter!
kainemaxwell
10-11-2005, 11:02 PM
Lookin' good!
zerohero
10-11-2005, 11:10 PM
Man, I would love to have a store like that in town.
It would be cool if you put up some vids as well when the story is finished. *hint, hint!
hezeuschrist
10-11-2005, 11:33 PM
Damn man, you are haulin ass to get this open before the season hits full swing, and looks to be right on track to do so. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Just wanted to say how impressed I am with the direction of your store - it looks completly kick ass! Pity I live in NZ, next time I stop over in the US on my way somewhere (could be a while) I'll be sure to put in the extra effort to make it to the store - better than Disney Land for me! :D
That monitor looks kick ass and I can;t wait to see what you do to the basement!
digitalpress
10-23-2005, 07:59 PM
It's been a BUSY few weeks since my last update, but you'll see from the new pictures that the store is nearly ready to go. There was a minor setback today... someone drove through the front of the building!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
donkeykong1
10-23-2005, 08:09 PM
That sucks what happened. I hope everything can be repaired in a timely matter. Good luck.
Vectorman0
10-23-2005, 08:11 PM
It's been a BUSY few weeks since my last update, but you'll see from the new pictures that the store is nearly ready to go. There was a minor setback today... someone drove through the front of the building!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
It's looking great, and I can't wait!
Kejoriv
10-23-2005, 08:20 PM
Pics look great Joe. Nice work!
Porkchop
10-23-2005, 08:23 PM
It's been a BUSY few weeks since my last update, but you'll see from the new pictures that the store is nearly ready to go. There was a minor setback today... someone drove through the front of the building!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
Did the Commodore 64 monitors make it or were they DOA? :(
Xizer
10-23-2005, 08:29 PM
Hahahaha.
Figures.
boatofcar
10-23-2005, 08:30 PM
The next NJ classic you have Joe, I'll stop by a day early and check out your store!
Joelius
10-23-2005, 08:30 PM
I get un-used standees from work. I know they charge you for them. Shoot me a PM, and I can send them to you via UPS or something.
It'll be my contribution to the store. :D
tholly
10-23-2005, 08:35 PM
It's been a BUSY few weeks since my last update, but you'll see from the new pictures that the store is nearly ready to go. There was a minor setback today... someone drove through the front of the building!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
Did the Commodore 64 monitors make it or were they DOA? :(
From under the picture: "From the inside, the car had smashed the lower glass area where four Commodore monitors were kept. Amazingly, the monitors themselves didn't appear to be damaged!"
Gamereviewgod
10-23-2005, 08:49 PM
They hit the "parking in rear" sign. That's priceless.
GrandAmChandler
10-23-2005, 09:39 PM
Damn Joe, at least no product was damaged or stolen!
punkoffgirl
10-23-2005, 09:52 PM
Maybe it was someone's subtle hint that your store should have a drive through service.
digitalpress
10-24-2005, 02:29 PM
Maybe it was someone's subtle hint that your store should have a drive through service.
*rimshot*
On the bright side, I'm getting a new wall and storefront glass out of the deal with no cash out of my pocket.
When are you coming down here to help me paint?! :)
john_soper
10-24-2005, 06:33 PM
From under the picture: "From the inside, the car had smashed the lower glass area where four Commodore monitors were kept. Amazingly, the monitors themselves didn't appear to be damaged!"
Wouldn't it be funny if the monitors were wrecked, they caught the person, and Joe sued for damages.
"Now Mr Santulli, about item #3, the commodore monitors. What is their replacement value and remember you ARE under oath?"
"Well your Honor, people have to pick them up locally because the shipping cost is about what they're worth."
kainemaxwell
10-24-2005, 08:09 PM
It's been a BUSY few weeks since my last update, but you'll see from the new pictures that the store is nearly ready to go. There was a minor setback today... someone drove through the front of the building!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
That really sucks. Least you're able to make the best of it to improve your store though.
portnoyd
10-24-2005, 08:27 PM
It's been a BUSY few weeks since my last update, but you'll see from the new pictures that the store is nearly ready to go. There was a minor setback today... someone drove through the front of the building!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
Wtf. I honestly can't believe this. People suck sometimes. D:
Videogamerdaryll
10-24-2005, 08:47 PM
Well that sucks.. :shameful:
Same type shit that happens to CVS/ stores(in Clifton) but it's burglaries.
So much to consider when opening a store.
Sorry Clifton people but Clifton Sucks!!...My town sucks too....I don't know exactly what part of Clifton you are located but:
I'd get the concrete type barriers put up in front of the store like you see at the Super Markets.(the yellow pole type)
The best "motion alarm" money can buy..and a Camera System..A BIG SIREN and police alarm notification.
Thick Bars on the windows and good insurance.
Crazy people today,they are daring....fks climb through the roof or hide in the stores until after closing...)You can read all this local paper)
The best alarms can't thwart the crash and grab crimes of today....Criminals are gone before the cops arrive.
Ever wonder why you see the big barriers directly in front of CVS stores..That's due to thwart the crash and grab burglaries that are way to common around here...And the barriers do their job..
You need bars and barriers even shatter proof glass.
Stories I hear from my wife who is a CVS manager..
I could not open a store because I'd have to sleep in it with a gun..
digitalpress
10-24-2005, 09:08 PM
Daryll, you pose a rather grim view of Clifton but it's quite the opposite of what I've seen. Friendly people, watchful neighbors, and generally respectful visitors - even the kids who have stopped by to see what's going on, when we're opening.
This wasn't a crash-and-rob at all... it was just a crash. In fact, there was a good sized-hole in the store for nearly six hours before the incident was even noticed by the Clifton police and nothing was stolen.
I'm setting up with plenty of surveillance, window protection, alarms and general "everyone's trying to steal" attitude but stantions in front of the store really aren't necessary. This store stood for over 40 years without any such kind of incident. Like lightning, I'm hopeful it won't strike in the same place twice.
punkoffgirl
10-24-2005, 09:13 PM
Maybe it was someone's subtle hint that your store should have a drive through service.
*rimshot*
On the bright side, I'm getting a new wall and storefront glass out of the deal with no cash out of my pocket.
When are you coming down here to help me paint?! :)
How's next weekend lookin' for ya? :)
digitalpress
10-24-2005, 09:23 PM
Maybe it was someone's subtle hint that your store should have a drive through service.
*rimshot*
On the bright side, I'm getting a new wall and storefront glass out of the deal with no cash out of my pocket.
When are you coming down here to help me paint?! :)
How's next weekend lookin' for ya? :)
I'll be there! If you're serious give me a ring at home or at the store (973-772-1111). I can provide a place to crash, too - a few of the gang here have already lodged at DP Estates after a day of work at the store!
bunbunz23
10-24-2005, 09:28 PM
I hope eveything will be okay in the future and you will not have to worry about this again. I live in Virginia but I would gladly drive up and help if you need it.
I've opted to have this area filled with concrete instead of windows for the renovation. It will match the other side of the store that way.
Sure, that's what you say, but I have a suspicion that the REAL reason you are doing this is to teach the next drunk driver a lesson he won't forget!
portnoyd
10-24-2005, 11:17 PM
Daryll, you pose a rather grim view of Clifton but it's quite the opposite of what I've seen. Friendly people, watchful neighbors, and generally respectful visitors - even the kids who have stopped by to see what's going on, when we're opening.
I can back up what Joe has seen. Maybe if Joe was in Passaic or Paterson, then we're talking armed security guards... but Clifton? No way. It's a larger sized town, but it's kosher parve.
Videogamerdaryll
10-24-2005, 11:24 PM
Daryll, you pose a rather grim view of Clifton but it's quite the opposite of what I've seen. Friendly people, watchful neighbors, and generally respectful visitors - even the kids who have stopped by to see what's going on, when we're opening.
I can back up what Joe has seen. Maybe if Joe was in Passaic or Paterson, then we're talking armed security guards... but Clifton? No way. It's a larger sized town, but it's kosher parve.
:) .... :embarrassed:
Good to know.....
I guess I'm a bit harsh when it comes to this kinda stuff.
dan2357
10-25-2005, 12:19 AM
A bit off topic, but looking through the pictures, The one of John in the Devo helmet. Is he/ are you from Long Island? I could of sworn I ran into you or someone that looked just like you at the Levittown Best Buy on the First day of the clearance sale back a few weeks ago.
Hopefully your insurance didn't go up to much after the car incident. But thankfully no one got hurt, except maybe the driver and well he would deserve it.
punkoffgirl
10-25-2005, 12:19 AM
Maybe it was someone's subtle hint that your store should have a drive through service.
*rimshot*
On the bright side, I'm getting a new wall and storefront glass out of the deal with no cash out of my pocket.
When are you coming down here to help me paint?! :)
How's next weekend lookin' for ya? :)
I'll be there! If you're serious give me a ring at home or at the store (973-772-1111). I can provide a place to crash, too - a few of the gang here have already lodged at DP Estates after a day of work at the store!
I think I can totally do it :) Lemme double check my work schedule, and I'll talk with you more later!
digitalpress
10-25-2005, 07:15 AM
A bit off topic, but looking through the pictures, The one of John in the Devo helmet. Is he/ are you from Long Island? I could of sworn I ran into you or someone that looked just like you at the Levittown Best Buy on the First day of the clearance sale back a few weeks ago.
He's from Long Island all right, and he's *often* spotted in Best Buy. Small world, huh?
Hopefully your insurance didn't go up to much after the car incident. But thankfully no one got hurt, except maybe the driver and well he would deserve it.
*My* insurance didn't go up at all - the landlord's insurance is covering this one. 8-)
CaryMG
10-25-2005, 09:11 AM
If I had a gamestore, I'd just sell classic -- from "Oddessy" to "SNES".
Later & All The Luck In The World!!
:) :) :)
evil_genius
10-25-2005, 09:29 AM
My grandma used to say, if it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all.
kainemaxwell
10-25-2005, 09:38 AM
Hope you're not in a flood area also.
le geek
10-25-2005, 09:56 AM
Glad you're taking it in stride Joe!
Speaking of lightning, my computer got fried last Fri when lightning stuck our A/C unit. Rattled the windows, degaussed the televisions, the works. Anyway, I'm lucky it was just the computer that took a hit really...and luckily the hard drive is fine.
Anyway, looking forward to the next batch of photos! The place is really coming together.
Cheers,
Ben
digitalpress
10-25-2005, 11:16 AM
Hope you're not in a flood area also.
Not at all. Even the basement has been completely dry through all of the flooding in northern NJ.
The place is great in every way - nothing I can really do about a car accident tho.
Darren870
10-25-2005, 12:52 PM
When is the estimated time of opening? Id love to stop by when I am home for thanksgiving.
Leo_A
10-25-2005, 01:40 PM
"If I had a gamestore, I'd just sell classic -- from "Oddessy" to "SNES"."
Your store, unless it was online, wouldn't be a store for very long then. :)
Anyways it's looking good from what i've seen in this thread, wish I was closer so I could check it out when it opens.
digitalpress
10-25-2005, 02:14 PM
When is the estimated time of opening? Id love to stop by when I am home for thanksgiving.
That's my target date. Even if I don't have everything priced I will likely be open that day after Thanksgiving!
Goblin
10-25-2005, 08:41 PM
Are we sure a forum member wasn't playing crazy taxi?
Darren870
10-26-2005, 12:27 AM
That's my target date. Even if I don't have everything priced I will likely be open that day after Thanksgiving!
Even though its xbox360 release day?
Id be there though. That would be sick.
digitalpress
10-26-2005, 07:33 AM
That's my target date. Even if I don't have everything priced I will likely be open that day after Thanksgiving!
Even though its xbox360 release day?
Id be there though. That would be sick.
"Even though"... ? That's one of the reasons I want to be open!
It's never too early to be filling your cash register with money. Like I always say "it keeps the lights on and the doors open!"
I love bicycles, but we don't run this bike shop solely for the good of our health! LOL
At any rate, you'll have a blast and like the freedom of being the captain of your own destiny, even if the customers will sometimes drive you insane.
NoahsMyBro
10-28-2005, 11:25 AM
I just clicked on the "The Store" link, looking for any updates, and saw the latest info was still about the run-in with somebody's bumper. The text says time-to-repair is 'a few weeks'.
It occurred to me that the wooden patch-up might be less-than-appealing to potential new customers, if the store opens while the wall is still waiting to be repaired.
*IF* the store is likely to open before the wall is fixed, and *IF* there is any time to do so (I doubt it), maybe the wood should be painted? Either something professional in keeping with the style/trim of the store, or something more whimsical/humorous - intentional graffiti - Pac-Men, Joysticks, Q-Bert, jokes, etc.... Even simply painting the wood Red and/or black might be better.
Captain J
10-28-2005, 01:04 PM
That's my target date. Even if I don't have everything priced I will likely be open that day after Thanksgiving!
Even though its xbox360 release day?
Id be there though. That would be sick.
"Even though"... ? That's one of the reasons I want to be open!
exactly, that combined with black friday will make you much profit! 8-)
digitalpress
11-18-2005, 06:03 PM
[also posted in my blog]
I'm a week away from opening the store. I'll be taking some photos this weekend so you can see how it's come along. Everything is out and on the shelves, the store is 60% "decorated" (this weekend I'll wrap that up). I still have to put price tags on just about everything which will never get done in time for opening, but I'll just field a lot of questions in the beginning and continue pricing after those doors swing open next Saturday.
I still don't have my storefront sign, a beautiful 16' x 4' color light box that's supposed to be done Monday. I've been nagging the company to get the thing up before Saturday, we'll see. The front wall that was collapsed by a drunk driver has been repaired, it looks great! During the construction the contractors also put in a new stairway to the lower level. Nice feeling, not thinking "this is the time I'm going to fall through" :)
I have great stock on-hand, much better than I expected to have. The walls are FULL. The place looks like it's been there forever. Mission accomplished there.
I've got two arcade games up and running thanks to my buddy "stonic". One is a Neo-Geo 2-slot (currently housing Metal Slug 2 and Bust-a-Move), the other is a Marvel Superheroes that has been significantly restored. I've also got a Dreamcast and a Jaguar kiosk. Nice mix of "stuff" for visitors.
My mini-museum looks fantastic. There are 9 glass shelves plus the "floor" (which is about 2 feet off the ground) displaying some of the really cool stuff from my collection, complete with museum cards, much like what you've seen at our CGE Museum, if you've ever been there.
I never knew where I'd put my original Atari mobiles before I had this store. Now I have perfect places for all of 'em. The ten original 2-sided hangers (remember? Tempest, Warlords, Missile Command, etc) are all hung around this strange rail thing that's just above the front door when you enter. The Phoenix mobile hangs beneath the back-of-store TV, and ET hangs just over the Atari-era game section. Fab.
We have a little more work to do with the TV that you see when you walk into the store (above the register/counter area) but I've got a "Digital Press Retro Theater" banner hanging above it, and on either side I've put a "staff picks" display complete with little plastic shelves to hold the actual games.
The internet gaming area is still under construction. It took longer than anyone expected to get the counter tops. I wanted to have this done in time for opening but it wasn't "mission critical". This should be up and running by Christmas time.
If I haven't mentioned it already, I am now "Digital Press Videogames LLC". Wow, DP is finally a REAL company.
I've got coupons on the trays of two local Burger Kings, 20,000 printed in all. They're right in there with the BK coupons and should draw a little attention from neighboring towns.
I'm meeting with the Herald News on Monday, they're doing a piece on me, the store, and the fascination with vintage games.
I think that's about it. I'll post some pictures this weekend.
Damaramu
11-18-2005, 10:22 PM
That is awesome news Joe!!
Wow, I wish I lived closer......or was planning on visiting your area. LOL
Lady Jaye
11-18-2005, 10:41 PM
Cool news, Joe! I'm glad to hear that everything's going so well with the store! I wish I could be there, but finances keep me from leaving the greater Montreal area for now... :(
PackratVG
11-19-2005, 12:46 AM
So cool Joe, so cool. I can't wait to see pictures of the final product!
Best,
Jarett
Felixthegamer
11-19-2005, 01:01 AM
I am not sure if I have posted in this thread or not, but I think it is really great what you are doing Joe! I imagine it must feel great! I wish you much luck with it!
Darren870
11-19-2005, 03:03 PM
So what are the prices going to be like? I am thinking of coming up some time maybe on sat, though its an hr it might be worth it.
Are you going to be buying games too? I might bring up some nes and genesis games up. Whats the deal on how you buy em?
Captain J
11-19-2005, 06:06 PM
that burger king idea was a great one!
tholly
11-21-2005, 10:40 AM
Joe, when is the offical opening day....is it Friday the 25th or Saturday the 26th and what are your hours of operation.
I'm thinking of stoping by for the opening, but I don't want to show up on the wrong day or get there too late.
SlayerX
11-21-2005, 10:53 AM
Owning your own store/business.... my dream ever since I can remember... no listening to a bitchy manager... no taking orders from a supervisor... you are your own manager... you tell the lower-downs what to do...
I've wanted to open up a video game for a long time now. What gets me worried though, is looking at stores around our city. Our mall has gotten and lost over 50 stores this past year, some top name stores went out of business. That shatters my confidence everytime LOL
I never really talked about anything other than finding a location, and what to sell, but I have a few other quick questions for you guys.
How much stock would you recommend one to start with? if I started a store, i'd sell basically anything that I didnt like, or had doubles of, from Atari - Xbox 360 (even though I dont have one ;) ), vhs, dvd, action figures, consoles, absolutely everything.
How much do you think it would cost to open even a small store? Are we looking into the $50000+ plus per year on average, or $10,000, or what?
Any info is greatly appreciated, cause as soon as I get enough money, im thinking to maybe rent a spot in the mall, or buy it if it's cheap enough. I know the first year or 2 i'll probably end up losing money, but I think if I could survive the first couple of years, I could pull out in the positive in year #3.
Best of luck to you and your store, hopefully you can kick off some of the lower-classed stores, buy their merch, and be even bigger ;) I'd visit you and your store, but im stuck in central Alberta *sigh*. Again, best of luck! :D
-SlayerX
Emuaust
11-21-2005, 04:17 PM
2 things that I sell in my store that are great money spinners and have strong ties to gaming is anime and card games, eg pokemon and magic.
if it where not for these 2 other lines of business I would not be able to compete with the big chain stores due to the fact retro gaming in my part of the worl is pretty much non-existant.
Sothy
11-21-2005, 04:58 PM
2 things that I sell in my store that are great money spinners and have strong ties to gaming is anime and card games, eg pokemon and magic.
if it where not for these 2 other lines of business I would not be able to compete with the big chain stores due to the fact retro gaming in my part of the worl is pretty much non-existant.
He speaks the truth. At our old store one shelf of the more popular ccg stuff probably accounted for 10 - 15% of all sales.
evil_genius
11-21-2005, 05:03 PM
Congrats on making your dream come true, and best of luck to you.
digitalpress
11-21-2005, 09:47 PM
w00t!
NEW PICTURES!
http://www.digitpress.com/images/store
tylerwillis
11-21-2005, 10:06 PM
I would kill to have that within a few hour's drive.
Be proud, Joe. That could be the most awesome game store on the planet.