First Pics of The Upcoming "DP Videogames" Store!

[digitalpress]

I went in to do some measurements and took photos while I was inside. I'm waiting on the lawyers to finalize the lease document but should be moving in this weekend or early next week the latest.

Tell me what you think!

http://www.digitpress.com/images/store

[pacmanhat]

That looks AWESOME, Joe. It reminds me of one of my favorite indie game stores ever, in fact. Best of luck to you.

[fergojisan]

Damn Joe, that looks like a pretty sweet setup. And it's moving fast now, right? It seems like it to me, and I'm only an observer. Do you have a name picked out yet? Keep us posted, and again, best of luck to you and Liz in following your dream. w00t! :rocker:

ps-Will we see you on Sunday in Reading?

[segarocks30]

No FREAKIN WAY! That is awesome Joe.I wish i could come but i dont live in New Jersey,I could drive there i live on the east coast too,it would only take like 2 hours.

[Captain J]

Joe, I think the store is perfect! I am honored that my inventory is going to an awesome place! 8-)

[THATinkjar]

Awesome Joe! And, if you want me to cut the ribbon at the grand opening, you have only to ask!

[Muscelli]

awesome, great looking store

[portnoyd]

Dude, I can't believe that place was Outer Limits. Amazing how roomy it is compared to when the place was full to the brim.

[The_4th_Survivor]

Joe,


That storefront as well as the space within look really great. I can totally see the DP Store coming to life and being a success, especially within the classic and vintage video game community.

Of course, I'm sure you'll also begin to sell some of the more recent systems such as the PS1 and Dreamcast, or maybe even dabble a bit into the current gen stuff like PS2, XBox or GCN.

BTW, where is this store going to be located?

If it's near California, maybe I'll take a trip over to check it out and finally meet up with the man who put together such a great website. :)

[digitalpress]

Of course, I'm sure you'll also begin to sell some of the more recent systems such as the PS1 and Dreamcast, or maybe even dabble a bit into the current gen stuff like PS2, XBox or GCN.

I think most of my business will be with current-gen systems and I'm planning on having a wide and varied inventory. Though the store will have lots of vintage stuff, the business plan is "all games, all systems, all eras". I'll carry imports as well.


BTW, where is this store going to be located?

HERE (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=387+piaget+ave,+clifton,+nj&ll=40.883929,-74.151621&spn=0.045125,0.091324&hl=en)

[tholly]

joe, nice store so far....it looks like it was meant for a video game store

good luck

[Aussie2B]

Very cool. :) I hope to visit someday. I'm not too far, but it's a pain to get anywhere with no car. :P

[Captain J]

BTW, where is this store going to be located?

If it's near California, maybe I'll take a trip over to check it out and finally meet up with the man who put together such a great website. :)

Its in Jersey man, Jersey! :)

[s1lence]

Nice looks like you are going to have more then enough room for the displays and storage.

[Jed]

Can I live in the basement and work there? I don't take up much space. :P

[Lady Jaye]

Nice! Really nice! Can't wait to see what it'll look like once it's set up and everything! :)

[TEND]

That is awesome, I really like the island. It looks great, I can't wait to come visit!

[Captain Wrong]

Hey! It even already says Cool Stuff on the front. Well...actually it looks more like "Cool tuff!" but you can tell there was an S there once.

Rad.

I'm so happy for you man. Livin' the dream...

[Sotenga]

I feel a song coming on...

Neeeeeeew Jersey, New Jersey, I love ya, New Jersey, you're only a state awwwaaayyyy! New Jersey, New Jersey, I love ya, New Jersey, you're onllllyyyyy aaaaa staaaate aaaaaaaaa-waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!! *breaks down in a happy crying fit* :-D

Gimme a break, I feel a slight tad sickly in body and mind at the moment. But this rules so much. I can't drive yet, but I gotta go here when I have a license and a car. Yes, I'm bringing my entire wallet. Count on it. :D

[slip81]

Looks great so far. when it's finally up and running I'll have to take a day trip and check out your place and make another visit to the Secret Stash.

EDIT: Anyone know how far this place it from Broad St. in Red Bank?

[le geek]

Looks pretty sweet! :rocker:

[NintendoMan]

Damn, that looks good Joe! Look at all that room you have, and it's cool that the place came with stuff already, like the shelves and such!
You even have a basement!!

[ubersaurus]

I can see a number of layouts that could work well, though I'm sure you've already got some good ones in mind, having actually been there. And that basement, damn. That's big. Storage won't be too much of an issue with that, I hope.

[slownerveaction]

This looks like it's shaping up very nicely. :) I'm only about 30-45 minutes away, so I'll definitely have to visit sometime!

[Wavelflack]

Looks like you are a tremendous success already! You've already turned over your entire stock!

[tylerwillis]

And thus begins Joe's takeover of the videogame industry.

That looks awesome. As I've said before, I wish that I was closer; Texas to Jersey is a bit of a drive.

[kainemaxwell]

Excellent looking setup!

[dan2357]

Looks great. Nice its allready covered in slat wall, save you some time, and make shelving, hangers and such easier.

will deffinitly be making a trip.
Distance: 49.5 mi (about 1 hour 11 mins)

[Mayhem]

Definitely enough room there that's for sure :)

[punkoffgirl]

Oh, that looks GREAT! I love the counter/checkout area in the middle of the store, and how it's round. The central location'll be perfect for keeping an eye on the whole store without things blocking your view! (It's also fitting that the shape and overhead part remind me of a bar *lol*) It's very bright and open-looking, too. Are those skylights?

I can totally see the cubbyhole "museum" thing, with rotating items, perhaps? Install a locking glass door, and with the overhead spotlight, it'd be perfect! How come the bathroom door looks like only half of a door?

I call party in the basement *lol* I'm intrigued by the grotto area. How big of a space is that?

I see there is a small "parking in the rear" sign on the storefront window. Didja figure out if you can get something better up? Is the pull in for the parking before or after the store?

[digitalpress]

Oh, that looks GREAT! I love the counter/checkout area in the middle of the store, and how it's round. The central location'll be perfect for keeping an eye on the whole store without things blocking your view! (It's also fitting that the shape and overhead part remind me of a bar *lol*) It's very bright and open-looking, too. Are those skylights?

They're skylights, alright! There are four of em, each in corners around that center island.


I can totally see the cubbyhole "museum" thing, with rotating items, perhaps? Install a locking glass door, and with the overhead spotlight, it'd be perfect! How come the bathroom door looks like only half of a door?

It really IS half a door. Weird, but it works OK. As for the cubbyhole, I've already got ideas for certain "themes" to make a monthly museum thingy. Sega prototypes, Activision patches, Japanese oddities... you name it! The spotlight is already in place, it just needs shelves and a lockable door.


I call party in the basement *lol* I'm intrigued by the grotto area. How big of a space is that?

When we do NAVA-style get togethers we can certainly do it in the store area, but there are so many possibilities downstairs... like a BAR for example. A microwave and fridge seem like good ideas as well since I'm probably going to be living there for the first six months :)

The grotto is pretty small. Once I rip out the existing displays it's about 10' wide by 15' deep. Enough for about six PC's.. maybe 8. I'll have to improvise or do some construction, we'll see how that pans out.


I see there is a small "parking in the rear" sign on the storefront window. Didja figure out if you can get something better up? Is the pull in for the parking before or after the store?

You can park in the front anywhere on that block, also I'm pretty much on the corner so you can also park on the sidestreet. The rear parking is great but not at all obvious (it is at the end of the block after you pass the store) so I'll need to do something to make it a little more obvious like you said.

So much to do, but plenty of time and lots of ideas. It's really a lot like moving into a new home. A little brainstorming and I'll have the place rockin' in no time!

[Policenaut]

Congrats Joe, great pics I see it will be huge, best of luck for you man. BTW, will you sell online too? I live in Puerto Rico and although I'd love to visit your store, it is quite difficult for me at this moment.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

It's close to Great Notch Reservoir? Jesus, Joe, that's right in my old stomping grounds. I may actually have a reason for a pilgrimage back to New Jersey now. Lots of great childhood memories in that area.

And the color scheme in the store is already perfect for DP. Magnificent!

[digitalpress]

And the color scheme in the store is already perfect for DP. Magnificent!

Yeah, I thought the same thing... like it was "a sign"!

It needs more BLACK though. A little paint ought to do the trick.

[Goodwill Hunter]

Wow...what an awesome setup for a gamestore! Given what is already there and the rent you quoted in another thread, it sounds ideal. And with the red trim, you just need to paint the walls black and you've got the DP site in 3D!

I love the island as well...and how sturdy is that drop-down above it? It would be great to fill it with systems and monitors (flatscreens if you didn't want to cut holes in it) and have 360 degrees of game demos running. You could even do a flashier version of Sean's gaming time line, starting with pong or a 2600 game and circling back to the latest Xbox 360 title right next to it!

I am jealous of your vision and your courage in starting up a gamestore...you are truly living the dream...best of luck!

Rich

[GrandAmChandler]

Oh, that looks GREAT! I love the counter/checkout area in the middle of the store, and how it's round. The central location'll be perfect for keeping an eye on the whole store without things blocking your view!

This immediately reminded me of the movie "Empire Records" when I saw the pics. Weird!

Great Job Joe. I can't wait to see the end result.

[Raedon]

Nice!! much brighter then most every used game / lan / DVD stores I've been in.

[PDorr3]

Wow that looks perfect for a game store! I love the middle section, especialy the way it looks when you first walk in, no wasted space. I will definitly be taking a visit after it opens!

[DJ_DEEM]

my question is when is the hugggeee dp openeing celebration party where we all get to party down and rock out???? hahahaha but seriously ill deff come down once its open, anyone wanna give me a ride from boston : P

[Kejoriv]

Very nice pics! Looks like a great setup. Im sure you will do well, Joe. You deserve it.

[digitalpress]

my question is when is the hugggeee dp openeing celebration party where we all get to party down and rock out???? hahahaha but seriously ill deff come down once its open, anyone wanna give me a ride from boston : P

I'm shooting to have the place open for the holiday season. Best case scenario: November 20. Worst case, December 1st. Tragedy: sometime in the winter :)

[Mr Mort]

Wow, that place looks like it's set up perfectly. I'm very excited for you Joe. I wish you the best of luck, and congrats on doing what many of us only DREAM of doing, if anyone deserves it you do. You know your shit, just use your brain, your knowledge of the industry, some crafty thinking, and some common sense, and all will be fine.
:D

[Atar1G1rl]

That is amazingly big compared to what I would expect by looking at the front entrance. Very exciting! This may justify my first ever trip to New Jersey. I'm very happy for you, Joe! You've done good. :D

[lendelin]

Congrats, the place looks really nice, ideal for a gamestore; you can make a lot of this place.

I like in particular the counter area in the middle of the store, and there is space for a vintage game system/game display, and enough space to put game books up. Don't forget to put up some pics with you and Bushnell and Baer and a pic with you at the E3 and the CGE.

A great advantage is the storage space that comes with it. Very important for a small business.

Looks great and it is practical, very good choice!

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Awesome!!!, i´m very proud for this great decition to continue the legacy of retrogaming. I hope some day i could travel to USA to know this great place.

Also i want a local VG like this one here!!!...mmm...some day...

Cheers and congratulations Joe!, keep growing!!!

Matías

[Sothy]

Badass man.

I might actually visit the East Coast for that sometime.

[Push Upstairs]

I saw the decor and had visions of some early 90's game store with neon abound.

Congratulations and i can't wait to see pictures of the place when its finished.

[Slipdeath]

Dude, I can't believe that place was Outer Limits. Amazing how roomy it is compared to when the place was full to the brim.
Was that a videogame store also?

[Mianrtcv]

That is excellent. Congratulations in advance, again.
I have hit this site long before being a member that posted. I also have attended a couple of the cgexpo's in vegas. I am sincerely enthusiastic for you and this endeavor. You and all the dp staff definitely make great contributions to a hobby that few others could duplicate. GOOD LUCK. I'll probably see you there some time.

[donkeykong1]

Those are some great pictures. Those shelves you have there in the basement are definitly gonna be a big help. They should also save you hundreds of dollars. Those racks can get expensive. Just that little one that's by itself can cost about $70.00
Very nice store location. If I'm ever in the eastside, I will definitly stop by.

[Maxx]

I would like to mention one thing though. Try and keep games away from windows and bright spotlights to minimize sun bleach on boxes. I have a neighborhood boardgame store here and most of the boxes are faded realy bad. Some so bad you wouldn't want them even though they are sealed and the stuff inside is new.

We also need pics every step of the way. Keep us posted Joe!

Too bad I live in Texas myself.... Distance: 1,988 mi (about 1 day 11 hours) @_@

You should also lock on everyone's handle before the store opens. Maybe give a gold membership of 5% discount to every friend previous to the store. Or better yet a secret stash of extreamly rare items for sale in the basement, sorry members only...

Maxx

[GarrettCRW]

Was that a videogame store also?

It looks like a comic book store. *Insert joke about the core DP buyer already knowing this location very well*

[fpbrush]

*as he looks through the thumbnails something dawns upon him*

I live in New Jersey.




I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY





OH MY GOD




PRAYERS. ANSWERED.


THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The_4th_Survivor]

Of course, I'm sure you'll also begin to sell some of the more recent systems such as the PS1 and Dreamcast, or maybe even dabble a bit into the current gen stuff like PS2, XBox or GCN.

I think most of my business will be with current-gen systems and I'm planning on having a wide and varied inventory. Though the store will have lots of vintage stuff, the business plan is "all games, all systems, all eras". I'll carry imports as well.


BTW, where is this store going to be located?

HERE (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=387+piaget+ave,+clifton,+nj&ll=40.883929,-74.151621&spn=0.045125,0.091324&hl=en)

YIPES! @_@

New Jersey? That's only.... oh.... a couple of thousand miles from Daly City, California. LOL


Well, I won't be going to visit your store anytime soon, but would definitely not mind checking it out is I'm ever in the New Jersey area.


Great idea you have, Joe. Finally, a store that will carry software and systems from all eras.

With that in mind, you'll definitely carve out a niche market since you'll pretty much have almost every video game software/system product ever made, covered.

[dojosky]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!! it looks so PERFECT ! it's one of the best stores i've seen for a video game store and it looks like it used to be a video game store or even video store. your very lucky you won't have to order a lot of fixtures and displays etc. plus shelves in the basement is a BIG BONUS !!!! :D am sure you will do GREAT !

[Dimitri]

Damn...that's a hell of a nice location. :D There's actually a Radio Shack here in town with basically the same layout, island in the center with casheirs and shelves all around...works quite well there, lots of space to move around yet still have a ton of stock on the floor. If I lived within a couple states I'd make it a mission to roadtrip there one day. Too bad California is a little further away. :embarrassed:

...now, really, what the hell is this "Outer Limits" thing? Some of you seem to know... x_x

[Mayhem]

Pre-Xmas opening? Nothing like jumping in with two feet there, I have a feeling you're gonna be very busy in the first few weeks of opening Joe ;)

[digitalpress]

...now, really, what the hell is this "Outer Limits" thing? Some of you seem to know... x_x

"Outer Limits!", the store that had this location previously, was a sci-fi memorabilia/action figures/comic book shop. I was never in the place but it sounds much like "Forbidden Planet" in NYC which I used to visit frequently.

[allsport11]

Wow, the old Outer Limits store. Used to go there often. Looks like I have another reason to go there again. :)

[FantasiaWHT]

I really like the look! That center island is really well positioned.

[Gamereviewgod]

Damn. That basement is huge.

That's one hell of a nice building find.

[K3V]

You should set up a webcam in the corner and do a time-lapse of the store as it gets built :)

Looks awesome, good luck Joe.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

That is one hell of a basement! You sure you can fill it Joe? If you're not careful, you may find Flack or someone camping out down there one day while you are spring cleaning! Lol!

You could even split it into two area's, and have various multiplayer consoles rigged up. Or arcade cabs... (are MAME cabs illegal to have in a shop?)


That is one sweet shop though. Will you be calling it "Digital Press"?

Will you also be initially stocking it with some of your own stuff (To sell, AND to display)? I love the look of those display cabinets. You could have a museum area mixed in with the shop. Purely for items which aren't for sale, but can be enjoyed by everyone.


Any plans to franchise out? Maybe have an Australia branch, and England branch, a Germany branch Etc... A la Fight Club! Lol.

In Joe we trust!

[jgenotte]

I love the island as well...and how sturdy is that drop-down above it? It would be great to fill it with systems and monitors (flatscreens if you didn't want to cut holes in it) and have 360 degrees of game demos running. You could even do a flashier version of Sean's gaming time line, starting with pong or a 2600 game and circling back to the latest Xbox 360 title right next to it!

What a great fkcuing idea! That would be/look awesome!

Joe, are you planning on having demo systems set-up to play a game before you buy it?

-james

[Lady Jaye]

Well, Joe, keep us posted about the grand opening date. As I promised you at CGE, I'll try to make it, if there's no schedule conflicts (ie. not at the same time as the next CCJVQ meeting or my workplace's Christmas party).

[YoshiM]

Wow! Right off the bat the place looks perfect for a game store. Wall-to-wall slot boards, dang that saved you some bank and back ache (I know, I helped install the stuff at a computer store I used to work for years back). Very, very cool.

[aaron7]

Wow! That's huge! You better have a grand opening party so I can go!

[evil_genius]

Fuckin sweet! If I'm ever in Jersey or NYC I will deffinitely stop in and buy a bunch of expensive shit. Best of luck to you. :cheers:

What will you name the place? edit: :: looks at the title and blushes ::

[mindlesspunk77]

i cant wait to come check it out being as im in pa and not to far. i wish my store was that bad ass! now i feel ashamed my store looks like junk haha

[punkoffgirl]

I really really wish I lived closer, cuz I'd LOVE to see this thing getting started, and give you a hand to help out! Unless you're hiring out, lemme know when you're painting, I'll crash in the basement :)

[shaggy]

:rocker: Man, that is awesome!! That basement is HUGE!!! Now if you only owned the building instead of rented it!! Man, you are living my dream. :rocker:

[Lothars]

Hey Joe, I just wanted to say that looks awesome :)

Very cool

I can't wait to come and see it all finished.

Thanks for the pics Joe

[mgriff]

Mapquest estimates about a 30 min. drive for me, are you hiring yet, and if so, what's the minimum age that your going to hire(Just wondering, I'm a teen with an ok job).

[mjluther]

Have you considered adding a section to the website to serve as a resource for customers? It would probably be a royal pain to maintain an online inventory, but people might really dig it. Also, branching out into online sales would probably be extremely profitable, but perhaps overwhelming considering the size of this community.

[Trebuken]

Truly spectacular. The potential is amazing. Slat walls, track lighting, the isalnd, the mounted monitors, the Outer Limits displays....two bathrooms??? extra TP...yes!!!

The 1/2 door looks like something out of Paper Mario, which is cool.

I hope you can do well. The independent video game stores around here are clearly going broke (a couple of them refuse to sell new games at all).

My one word of adivice would be to go all out by way of security. A chain fence for that front window, maybe even some dort of paid security or alarm, espeacially with those skylights (which are just plain cool).

Seconding the notion of keeping displays away from windows, to reduce sun bleaching; I would suugest having promotional displays near the window; sort of displays that you change periodically. Perhaps promotional posters on the windows that are disposable.

It's going to take alot of inventory to make that store look alive (are you selling other stuff, DVD's?). How about gaming magazines (new and old), they could fill space anyways.

Track and control your inventory obsessively. Shoplifters are insanely good at what they do...and they are often unafraid of being caught (they only spend a couple hours at the police station usually).

So many possibilities, set a budget, stick to it. Cross your fingers.

You can outmerchandise any of the chain stores. Use this advantage. They rely on $6 high school and college kids. Spy on other stores, gobble up their best ideas and optimize them for your own needs...

Trebuken.

Good Luck...