Christmas is Almost Here: Buy From Your Local Comics Shop

It can make a big difference.

I don’t know what I’d do without my local comics shop, which happens to be Midtown Comics’ Grand Central location in Manhattan.

Even if I have just one or two comics to buy I make it a point to go in every Wednesday. Besides the fact that it’s a great shop with a friendly staff, it just makes me feel good to go to a place where everyone’s soaking up comics culture.

Superman at my comics shop.

Unfortunately, the economics aren’t good for a lot of shops across the country right now, with some stores even going so far as to crowd-fund to stay afloat. This time of year is crucial for all shops and those that have a rough holiday season may have a rough time lasting through next year. So if you have a local shop that you want to support, shop there this week. Pay the extra few bucks and don’t give in to the internet goliaths.

Christy Blanch is a columnist here and she owns Aw Yeah Comics in Muncie, Ind. It’s affiliated with the Aw Yeah shops in Skokie, Ill., and Harrison, N.Y., which are owned and operated by Franco and Art Baltazar of Tiny Titans fame (they’re doing Super Powers! right now for DC) and a great guy named Marc Hammond.

Here’s Christy with an important message for fans like you:

As you know, I own a comic shop. Many of my friends own comic shops. And it breaks my heart to read all the news about shops not doing well, shops closing, and a downward turn in sales.

I don’t really need to read about them because I experience this first-hand every day. While we are hanging in there, business is down for us. It’s down almost everywhere.

I talk to retailers every day and we are all experiencing the same thing. And none of us can figure out why, because right now comics are a big deal. You can’t throw a stick without hitting something having to do with comics. We all have our theories, but in the end it doesn’t matter. There is one way to solve this problem and that is for people to support their local comic shops. These stores are important to their communities and the loss of one is felt by many.

So, I am asking you all, on behalf of all the amazing comic-book retailers out there, please visit your local shop and support them. Don’t just go there when there is a sale or on Free Comic Book Day. Help them to stay in business by buying from them regularly.

I understand that Amazon is easy or you may already be at the mall, but take some time out and visit your local shop. Let them know you appreciate them. It’s a hard business to be in, especially right now. Don’t let comic shops drift away into memory.

You all can make a difference.

Author: Dan Greenfield

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2 Comments

  1. Midtown downtown is my local, but I certainly don’t consider it “helping” a local comic shop. They are like mcdonalds or Walmart. If they don’t have something, they won’t special order it like every other comic shop will. If there were any smaller non franchise shops in a few blocks midtown would run them out of business like a Walmart. Economics aren’t good for shops because of places like midtown. Not a fan, if I know I’m spending real money on something I go to a real mom and pop type comic store. That’s who needs help.

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    • That’s a really inaccurate reflection of Midtown. First, there are two shops within walking distance of Midtown Grand Central that do just nicely. They don’t “run them out of business.” Two, I’ve never had a problem with Midtown ordering something for me if I want it. Three, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Four, the stores are well-stocked, bright and clean. Five, they’re not franchisers. They’re a successful operation with three main brick-and-mortar outlets. That’s hardly McDonald’s or Walmart. Good lord, if you don’t like them, get on the subway and hit up any of the other (many) stores in NYC that Midtown hasn’t “run out of business.”

      If you’re going to criticize something, be accurate.

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