Some of Our Most Memorable Moments

We've been in business now for 11 months. 

It seems a bit surreal. 

There was a lot that had been going on this time last year. Many obstacles, many worries, many exciting opportunities.

I don't think I could properly describe everything that has happened in the past year other than I can hardly believe its happened.

I've always dreamed of opening up a game store, and now getting close to a HUGE milestone mark. I wanted to reflect on some of the most memorable moments at the store.

1) Our first pop-up market:

We started in farmers markets and small conventions. It was not only an advertisement/marketing opportunity. It gave us the opportunity to connect with people early on.

2) Our first building tour:

We orginially weren't planning to open up a store in Springfield. As most of our regulars know, we tried opening up a shop in Rogersville. And long story short, we couldn't make it work.

We looked in Ozark, but even then it was a risk. 

Then, our realtor found a spot that was the perfect starting place for us.

And within 4 months of being in that location, we doubled our space.

Pretty big win

3) Our first regulars

The regulars that have been here the longest are Kenny and Wes.

You've seen them on social media if you follow us, but these two honestly gave us so much encouragement and hope that our tiny store would grow.

They stumbled in by chance after seeing us across the hall from one of our neighbors.

We introduced them to CookieRun (literally one of the two trading card games we had), and quickly they've been involved with other TCG events and always help new faces learn games.

They've been here since then.

4) Our first distributor

This is the part where most game store owners will "gatekeep." Distributors can honestly make or break a business.

We had advice and guidance from other business owners, but the issue we kept running into (in the beginning) was that we weren't a brick and mortar store.

So big names like ACD, Southern Hobby, etc. wouldn't approve our application because of the "risk" we presented.

Which, fair, but to a brand new business that's tough.

Well, we stumbled across Faire. And all the product that it could offer.

And we were shocked.

We were able to get enough to start the business going, but once it happened we were able to get in touch with out distributors.

Soon, we were able to start selling Pokemon, Lorcana, and other big name TCG.

I can't describe the words I felt while reading that approval email, but I knew I was excited.

5) Our first "Google" customers

I will never forget the day a husband and wife walked through the doors looking for some games.

I don't normally do this, but in this moment I felt the need to. "How did you find us?"

"Oh, we just found you on Google and came over here."

My mind blanked on everything else in that moment. I can't even tell you if they bought anything.

I was standing there and repeating over and over, "Wow, Google? Really?" In complete gratitude and disbelief. 

It was that moment I felt like we've grown in leaps and bounds, but honestly the day to day wasn't anything extravagant. 

Now we keep getting folks that find us on Google, social media, word of mouth, even other game stores.

We are truly grateful. It's The Dragon Loft community that has impacted us. Not the store or the games. 

It's the people like Kenny, Wes, Bryan, Monica, and so many of our other regulars that encourages us to keep going.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey, and thank you for being part of this past year with us.

We look forward on the next adventure with you at The Dragon Loft