So this has been a hot topic for about a month and a half now. Booster box distribution going to big box retailers and Rudy of Alpha Investments soaking up a lot from the current middlemen distributors and a change in where we get our boxes (Amazon now) will change the landscape.
I've been to a couple LGS's in my area and no one wants to talk about how this will affect the LGS scene. Either employees are scared or in denial that they will be affected at all.
I've been thinking a lot about what this means for the LGS. Not selling new product will have a bigger impact than many will admit, as a cornerstone of a lot of FNM's is drafts and sealed. If an LGS buys their boxes from Amazon, they'll be paying a significant amount more than they are paying now. That $12 draft, that $15 sealed event will jump to a $15 draft and $20 sealed event. And the store that gives the most incentives, will scoop up all of the players.
I know I come off as Chicken Little at times, but I do foresee some LGS's going under. This will have a two-fold affect: make the still standing LGS's overcrowded, w/ folks from the city(s) that lost an LGS coming to those that are still open and (hopefully) a rise in meetup.com groups, Facebook groups, and other gatherings for kitchen table playgroups. I can also see non-traditional geek dens (comic book shops, book stores, gaming centers (like Howie's Game Shack in Southern California) attracting Magic players.
So, are my predictions on par? Anyone have anything to add? Or am I screaming the sky is falling and the LGS will work through this? Please, share your thoughts.
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I've been to a couple LGS's in my area and no one wants to talk about how this will affect the LGS scene. Either employees are scared or in denial that they will be affected at all.
I've been thinking a lot about what this means for the LGS. Not selling new product will have a bigger impact than many will admit, as a cornerstone of a lot of FNM's is drafts and sealed. If an LGS buys their boxes from Amazon, they'll be paying a significant amount more than they are paying now. That $12 draft, that $15 sealed event will jump to a $15 draft and $20 sealed event. And the store that gives the most incentives, will scoop up all of the players.
I know I come off as Chicken Little at times, but I do foresee some LGS's going under. This will have a two-fold affect: make the still standing LGS's overcrowded, w/ folks from the city(s) that lost an LGS coming to those that are still open and (hopefully) a rise in meetup.com groups, Facebook groups, and other gatherings for kitchen table playgroups. I can also see non-traditional geek dens (comic book shops, book stores, gaming centers (like Howie's Game Shack in Southern California) attracting Magic players.
So, are my predictions on par? Anyone have anything to add? Or am I screaming the sky is falling and the LGS will work through this? Please, share your thoughts.