Opening a Game Store UPDATE!

[boatofcar]

Looks awesome, Joe. Are you selling your boxed Atari XE games?

[GizmoGC]

Look AWESOME!

[The Great Dane]

Wow, awesome look to the place. :eek 2:

I only wish that I was close by to go, as I would be in there everyday, no doubt. Seeing all of those NES games makes me drool :D But, my wife and I live in NM so, that's pretty far away. But hey, great job doing what you really want to do. Most people never get the chance to. My wife and I actually want to open a store where we sell "crafts." I love doing woodworking, such as making neat things on a wood lathe and she loves making pottery. So, you have inspired me to possibly do this one day :D

[Videogamerdaryll]

Wow!!//Looks Great!!

[digitalpress]

Looks awesome, Joe. Are you selling your boxed Atari XE games?

Not the ones from my collection, but there are some on the wall.

[devilman]

Looking very good Joe. We need more stores like that in the UK!

[Yamazaki]

One word: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


a little more dirt and games, and a little less space and you look like the retro shops here in Japan!!

[Felixthegamer]

If only Kansas and New Jersey were closer! I guess there is another reason to travel to NJ :)

[bazariah]

the store is looking mighty swish, i have saved the address and when i come over to the states next year i shall be sure to come and vist... congratulations on getting the store looking so good, and i wish you all the best

[Six Switch]

yeah the store looks really good joe,best of luck opening and all that good stuff.

[Lord007]

Awesome pics, it's really coming together!

I love the classic commercials idea too!

[Vectorman0]

So what's the word on opening day, is it set for the friday after Thanksgiving? I really want to make the trip there and meet Joe and hopefully a bunch of other guys. And what's the full address so I can look it up and get a good idea of the travel time, and some directions?

[tholly]

I see the sign in the window in one of your pictures says opening Saturday November 26th.......what time in the morning are you offically opening the doors??

i'd love to try and get there for the door opening

~tony

[Mayhem]

Very nice indeed :)

Kris and I will have to get ourselves there one time...

Btw I hope you got all the security cameras setup in the right spots to cover all the angles :)

[Goblin]

i'd love to try and get there for the door opening


Anybody planning to camp out xbox launch style. Ha Ha.

I'm planning to stop in sometime Saturday afternoon before I meet some friends in the area for dinner.

[K3V]

Vectrex and PSP in the front window. Really says it all, I think 8-)

[punkoffgirl]

SCOTT HAS BLONDE HAIR NOW!! :)

[retroman]

i would put everything in it....from Pong to now...

[Aussie2B]

Holy crap, I've missed out on a lot. o_o I haven't checked this topic since back when the store was completely empty. It looks frickin' AMAZING. :) It's just as much a museum as a store. Man, I can't believe some lunatic crashed into the place. Talk about bad luck, but I'm glad everything has worked out in the end.

[digitalpress]

I see the sign in the window in one of your pictures says opening Saturday November 26th.......what time in the morning are you offically opening the doors??

I'm not really sure about the exact time but it will be before noon. I'm trying to cram as much last minute work in as possible before opening the doors!

[Vigilante]

Joe, your store is better then warm chocolate puddin!

[CaryMG]

What an excellent idea!
A retrogaming shop!

Clifton's not too far from Manhattan so I'll be sure to try & stop by.

I wish you all the luck in the world with it!


Later!
:) :) :)

[halbert]

I just recently looked at all your new pics - I am very impressed! Never have I seen a small business so professionally set up before opening. Great work!

[classicb]

wow Joe that is amazing.

I never thought I'd have Clifton on my list of places to go when I travel to the east coast.

[djbeatmongrel]

you got any left over ECKS BAWKS 3 6 Ts? be ready for that question hehehe, i know at gamestop retards have called up non stop them.


hope the opening goes well

[Fanboy]

Congrats Joe! Best of luck tomorrow!

Hopefully I can convince the other (if not better) half to take a loooooong drive one day under some false pretenses and just "happen" to discover your store. ;)

[Lady Jaye]

Wow, Joe, your store looks amazing in its ready-to-open glory! :)

The stacks of red and blue DP guides look great under the counter.

I really wish NJ wasn't so far away so I could witness the grand opening. :(

[tholly]

Any final decision on opening time so I know to either leave my house at say 8am or 10am, since it takes about 2 hours to get there.....I'd hate to be sitting around waiting for 2 hours......

[Drexel923]

Any final decision on opening time so I know to either leave my house at say 8am or 10am, since it takes about 2 hours to get there.....I'd hate to be sitting around waiting for 2 hours......

I'd say just to be safe leave around 10. I will be at the store tomorrow helping Joe with some finishing touches...I would assume we would be all set to go by noon.

[portnoyd]

See you tomorrow, Joe. ;)

[darknut101]

Store looks great! I can't wait to make a trip down and visit a decent game store. Probably won't make it tommorow but hopefully within the next few weeks.

All the best luck!

[Goblin]

See you tommorow. Do we have a closing time? I've got reservations at 7:30 so I figured I'd swing by around 6-6:30. I figure with this crew I never have to worry about things closing early, but it didn't hurt to ask anyway.

[Cmtz]

Damn, I hate being all the way over here in TX.

[SlayerX]

Hey, just wondering what the ZIP code for your store is? If the ZIP code is posted, people can use http://www.mapquest.com to see how long, how far away the store is from their house, and how exactly to get there...

I dunno, maybe im the only one interested in finding out? LOL

[Mattiekrome]

Hey, just wondering what the ZIP code for your store is? If the ZIP code is posted, people can use http://www.mapquest.com to see how long, how far away the store is from their house, and how exactly to get there...

I dunno, maybe im the only one interested in finding out? LOL

All you need is the City and State, dont even need a physical address. I just tried it out, and it says that its 160 miles (nearly 3 hours) from where my sister lives in Maryland. Thats quite a haul, but would be well worth it :)

Oh, and the store looks great joe!

[punkoffgirl]

Hey, just wondering what the ZIP code for your store is? If the ZIP code is posted, people can use http://www.mapquest.com to see how long, how far away the store is from their house, and how exactly to get there...

I dunno, maybe im the only one interested in finding out? LOL

Well, if you click on "The Store" link over on the left hand side of the page, in the menu there, you can have the full address.

[kainemaxwell]

Good luck on the opening! One day if I'm not working I'll come by with friends!

[PDorr3]

Damn the store has come a long way and looks amazing. Its only a 1hr-1 1/2 hour drive to get there, so I will be sure to stop by the next time I get the chance to do some traveling.

I'm just curious, will the prices of the games be based off of the DP guide? or roughly around them for that matter?

[Twitami]

I am in Baltimore, and plan on coming by sometime in the next few weeks. I don't post a lot here, but I read it every day, at least once.

Brian

[Sanriostar]

I just wanna be one of the throng of DP'ers that wish Joe the best of Opening days, and let 'em know he's on my mind.


GOOD LUCK JOE!!!!!! :D

[tholly]

well, i went to the store today, and i have to say, for the 1st day of a new store, it is very well put together....besides not having prices on everything (i know your working on it) everything is pretty well set up and in place...

i got some good deals on some 32x games that i need and i could have spent a fortune if i really wanted too....

good luck with the store Joe....if your 1st day is any indication to your future, you will do just fine....

tony

[kainemaxwell]

What are the store hours?

[RevQuixo]

well, i went to the store today, and i have to say, for the 1st day of a new store, it is very well put together....besides not having prices on everything (i know your working on it) everything is pretty well set up and in place...

i got some good deals on some 32x games that i need and i could have spent a fortune if i really wanted too....

good luck with the store Joe....if your 1st day is any indication to your future, you will do just fine....

tony

Good thing I already had the games that you snagged up out of the 32X section...I was the guy standing right next to you and browsing the section as you were grabbing them up. There could have been a throwdown ;)

Great store Joe, I too could have gone broke buying stuff and will definitely be back.

[tholly]

well, i went to the store today, and i have to say, for the 1st day of a new store, it is very well put together....besides not having prices on everything (i know your working on it) everything is pretty well set up and in place...

i got some good deals on some 32x games that i need and i could have spent a fortune if i really wanted too....

good luck with the store Joe....if your 1st day is any indication to your future, you will do just fine....

tony

Good thing I already had the games that you snagged up out of the 32X section...I was the guy standing right next to you and browsing the section as you were grabbing them up. There could have been a throwdown ;)

Great store Joe, I too could have gone broke buying stuff and will definitely be back.

hahaha....sorry about basically walking right in front of you, but i drove for 2 hours for 32x games....and i was leaving with all the 32x games that joe had that i needed......only 12 to go now....

[AFGiant]

I've never checked before, but mapquest says that Clifton is two and a half hours away from me (Albany, NY). Looks like I may be making a long drive once I get my liscense! (Yes, I'm 16 lol)

[Melf]

Yay! It's almost here!

Great work Joe; the place is really shaping up to be the best retro store around. Just make sure to have plenty of Genesis/Sega CD/32X stuff in stock and ship to Puerto Rico, and you'll have a customer for life here! :D

[Akihabara]

I would love to see some pics with costumers in the shop.

[PDorr3]

Could someone tell me the info I need to get directions to the store on mapquest? Im sure its in this topic somewhere but its huge.

[Pineapple]

Could someone tell me the info I need to get directions to the store on mapquest? Im sure its in this topic somewhere but its huge.

This is the info that Google map gives, based on the store address:
387 CR-628 (E), Clifton, NJ 07011
http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=387+Cr+628+E,+Clifton,+NJ+07011

[punkoffgirl]

SCOTT HAS BLONDE HAIR NOW!! :)

:/ how bout it. Part of the whole witness relocation program...




Hope your 1st day was a smashing success, much like a truck full of money crashing through the front door! I wish I could have been there to see history in the making :)

It's a good look for you :)

[NoahsMyBro]

Could someone tell me the info I need to get directions to the store on mapquest? Im sure its in this topic somewhere but its huge.

I took a handful (literally - I think 5) of pics yesterday in the store.

If Joe gives the A-Ok, I'm happy to post them.

Be warned though, some are blurry, and some are of my almost-5-year-old son and his newest love, Marvel Super Heroes, coin-op.

[wasg13]

I'm glad i live in New Jersey and drive by clifton weekly. I'm tired of looking at the ebgames down by me with there limited selection of classic games. I hope i can stop in soon

[dan2357]

Can someone make a Hello My Name Is tag to print out and download from this site. This way when we shop at the store we can easily tell who is from the fourms?.
Its a shame 2 members were in that close prox, and didn't even intorduce them selfs to each other.

RevQuixo said


tholly
well, i went to the store today, and i have to say, for the 1st day of a new store, it is very well put together....besides not having prices on everything (i know your working on it) everything is pretty well set up and in place...
i got some good deals on some 32x games that i need and i could have spent a fortune if i really wanted too....
good luck with the store Joe....if your 1st day is any indication to your future, you will do just fine....
tony


Good thing I already had the games that you snagged up out of the 32X section...I was the guy standing right next to you and browsing the section as you were grabbing them up. There could have been a throwdown

[dsullo]

Hey Joe I will be visiting your store at lunch time today!!!

[Kejoriv]

Can someone make a Hello My Name Is tag to print out and download from this site. This way when we shop at the store we can easily tell who is from the fourms?.


Great idea!!

[qbertandernie]

Distance: 551 mi (about 9 hours 25 mins)

ah well...

[dsullo]

Made my first visit to the store today. I can say that Joe has done a tremendous job setting up the place. It is nicely organized with games for just about every system available. I made a few purchases. He has some great classic stuff for sale. He also has a tv playing some old Starcade episodes. I will be visiting again soon.

[Schenley]

Well, I have been there twice, and both times spent a couple of hours and a couple hundred dollars!

[Kat604]

After my visit on Saturday, I'd just like to say that your store is awesome Joe! I am loving the copy of Incredible Crisis my boyfriend and I bought(after some initial frustrations with the first mini-game lol). The CD with the first 50 print issues of DP will keep me busy for quite some time. We'll definitely be back!

[TEND]

Total Est. Distance: 1638.80 miles
Total Est. Time: 25 hours, 49 minutes

I'll hopefully be there in the summer :D but damn I'm speeding the whole way.

[MarkMan]

2,912 mi (about 2 days 1 hour)

:(

I'll stop by if I'm ever in the East Coast for sure!

[Six Switch]

I took a handful (literally - I think 5) of pics yesterday in the store.

If Joe gives the A-Ok, I'm happy to post them.

Be warned though, some are blurry, and some are of my almost-5-year-old son and his newest love, Marvel Super Heroes, coin-op.

do you really think joe would object?

[digitalpress]

I added new pictures today, courtesy of "NoahsMyBro" - see my signature for the link.

I wish I had taken pictures on opening day but I was taking it all in instead. We had a GREAT weekend. Monday was just "OK" - I didn't make much but that's because all the local kids came by to trade stuff in.

I've got cameras all over the place recording store activity so I'll try to grab some stills that show what the place looks like when it's mobbed and not-so mobbed. It really turned out great and has gotten consistently positive responses from both young and old. It's great to finally get to see this thing WORK!

[toddst]

Nice work Joe! I hope to make it to NJ to see the store and to eat some Disco Fries. mmmm disco fries!

-Todd

[chaoticjelly]

Cool store Joe :-)

Glad your living the dream :-)

[Kepone]

Looking good! If I ever end up in NJ, I'll check it out.

[punkoffgirl]

That front sign is KICK ASS!

I agree! It came out great :)

[Videogamerdaryll]

Yes!! That Front Sign Rocks!!

I really need to get my butt over to the store...Thing is you may have to throw me out as I won't want to leave.. :)

[Trade-N-Games]

Looks great I hope all gos well. Just to let you know when Gamestop put the N64 games in the dump bins all of a sudden I had tons of the "KIDS" wanting to sell me games with gamestop stickers on them. I am not just talking a few games i am talking bags of games everyday so be careful with any games out on the floor. MY friend had a great store and alway had lots of newer stuff used from the thiefs and then they just started to bring in even more untill he said he could not take anymore. Well it worked itself out, they said you will take it or we will burn your place down. He did not take that and moved out 1 week later before they had a chance to do harm.

[digitalpress]

Looks great I hope all gos well. Just to let you know when Gamestop put the N64 games in the dump bins all of a sudden I had tons of the "KIDS" wanting to sell me games with gamestop stickers on them. I am not just talking a few games i am talking bags of games everyday so be careful with any games out on the floor. MY friend had a great store and alway had lots of newer stuff used from the thiefs and then they just started to bring in even more untill he said he could not take anymore. Well it worked itself out, they said you will take it or we will burn your place down. He did not take that and moved out 1 week later before they had a chance to do harm.

He moved OUT OF THE STORE because some kids threatened to burn it down? Jesus H. Didn't he have insurance that covered more than what he had on the floor? If someone burns my store down I'm not only in good financial shape but can also take a nice long vacation :)

[Ed Oscuro]

Ahh, good stuff with the Atari ET sign. Using your original for that, or a reproduction (I sorta hope)?

[Bloodreign]

Hopefully one day this store can branch out and come to Louisiana where I live, we lost our classic gaming shop last year, and since then it's too hard to find some of the old games I'm looking for.

Ebay is a nice option but sometimes I'd like to look a little closer to home.

[digitalpress]

Ahh, good stuff with the Atari ET sign. Using your original for that, or a reproduction (I sorta hope)?

It's an original. You can get 'em for six bucks or less on eBay.

[Trade-N-Games]

Looks great I hope all gos well. Just to let you know when Gamestop put the N64 games in the dump bins all of a sudden I had tons of the "KIDS" wanting to sell me games with gamestop stickers on them. I am not just talking a few games i am talking bags of games everyday so be careful with any games out on the floor. MY friend had a great store and alway had lots of newer stuff used from the thiefs and then they just started to bring in even more untill he said he could not take anymore. Well it worked itself out, they said you will take it or we will burn your place down. He did not take that and moved out 1 week later before they had a chance to do harm.

He moved OUT OF THE STORE because some kids threatened to burn it down? Jesus H. Didn't he have insurance that covered more than what he had on the floor? If someone burns my store down I'm not only in good financial shape but can also take a nice long vacation :)
Well its a long story but him and his mother in law started the store and then he opened a second store about 100 miles away and his mother in law stayed and ran the store. She started to get personal threats when she would not buy the stuff and was worried. Then they were starting to bring in like 12 of each game and they could not move it.
Yes I have had 4 years of good luck at my store and so far all 4 years of insurance has cost me about $1000 a year and the way i look at if something happens when I am closed that will be the best sale after hours I will ever have. I hear of so many business owners without insurance and it just makes me wonder what they were thinking. I have 2 rooms at my store, the main used games room and my game center and I have 2 cameras in each room with a live feed so my customers can see themselfs so they know they are being watched.

[digitalpress]

I hear of so many business owners without insurance and it just makes me wonder what they were thinking. I have 2 rooms at my store, the main used games room and my game center and I have 2 cameras in each room with a live feed so my customers can see themselfs so they know they are being watched.

I wouldn't have even considered doing this without insurance or forming a corporation to bear any brunt of litigation and with completely separate monetary assets from my family.

I've got four cameras in the store as well, constantly recording activity.

The first week at the store has been great - far exceeding my expectations, and it's obvious that word of mouth is getting around.

Wish I could document more of the first week, hopefully I'll have some time on Sunday when the store hours are shorter!