Is there anything else you would like to know about opening your own hobby shop, ask away? Also, if you want to help support our family run business, check out www.broadswordwargaming.com :) THANKS! :)
Just remember to disconnect and take a break every once in awhile - it's your career and your business, but make sure you have time for yourself and your family as well. Self employed, corporate, whatever - you make time for the things you make time for.
To be honest I didn’t even know about your shop until this video and went and had a wee look and it’s Awesomeness ! Are you able to ship to Australia 🇦🇺 ?
A friend of mine opened his own game shop 10 years ago. He's had good years, he's had bad years, but the last three years have been amazing because his community finally found him, and it's been amazing. I'm hoping the same for you! Congratulations!
I opened my own shop exactly like yours back in 2009 when I was 29. I managed to keep it for 10 years and closed in 2019, so I understand very well the struggles, the joy and all the feelings you expressed in this video. Those years were the best of my life, I saw children growing up and becoming young adults. I gave all I could to the small community where I live, and people still recognizes me and remember the good days they spent in my shop. Unfortunately I couldn't survive all the expenses and taxes that we have here in Italy so my dream ended. When I think of my time working in my beautiful shop I still shred a tear, I did that just today while trying to arrange all the stocks of products I still have in my house..and then it happened to see this video in my youtube home. So guys enjoy every day of your ride while it lasts, because I really felt happy to go to work every day and it's something I never experienced before and after that. Hopefully in your case it will be for many years until you will retire :) Good luck from Italy
"Have you ever dreamed of opening up your own hobby shop?" No After watching the video: FUCK NO. This is the kind of stress that would kill me. You both have more strength than me
@ChibsterofNurgy like this will all small business, I employ 2 staff. Pay around 150k in wages. You learn how to switch off, what's hard is learning how to switch on. On a Sunday night, I am preparing for the next week. I wish as I cant seem to find the perfect balance. I find loving and being happy you don't have a boss is what we need to remember. As some weeks my staff make more than me. Some weeks I make 10x more than them
I'll forever be grateful you took that risk and fostered such a great local store and hobby peeps. Thanks to you and Ciara l've found a community here, which made a new town feel like home.❤ I also really appreciate that you came into this video with true authenticity in your thoughts and feelings, I'm sure that resonates with so many.
I work in another irish hobby retail store and have done for 12 years and you've hit everything exactly how it really is on the head. It can be incredibly frustrating on the bad days and absolutely fulfilling on the best. I wish you both nothing but good luck and good times.
Great video! Even though I'm not local I'm always grateful to the people out there who put their time and effort into running the stores that make our hobby great!
I have my own hobby shop and I agree wholehartedly with this. It has a lot of lows but also really nice highs. It takes time, a huge amount of patience and stress management. Things you wouldn't normally associate with a hobby store, but that's life
Right!? I mean, it's not great that we get so stressed out at times, but it's nice to hear we aren't alone! Keep it up and keep at it. Always around for a chat.
@@BroadswordWargaming It's great that you are passionate about wargaming. FLGS owners need to be passionate about this hobby. I just wish I knew about FLGS before buying 40K at GW. I hate GW pushy salesman! Best of luck to your business!
My parents own a pet store (not a hobby store) and seeing the difficulties that have come with it since being a kid I honestly could never see myself running a store of any kind. It doesn't help that the government in my country does everything in their power to make the life of an entrepreneur harder and harder every single year. Running a miniature gaming store means having to deal with GWs complete incompetence when it comes to actually having enough supply for demand would just be yet another cause of stress. I don't envy anyone who runs these stores.
I visited your shop in 2020 when browsing around the city when I saw your sign I decided to go in as I had been looking at minis for a while I picked up my first mini and now I enjoy this hobby so much I wish you all the best in your business ❤Love from Dublin
Honestly, great video. Making a hobby a job can cut both ways and I think you see that in this video. It can be great, as the saying goes, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Except the times the Work spoils what you enjoy doing... Wishing you Ciara all the best with the shop!
This is just fantastic content. Very raw, very real, and fascinating to hear your story and how it has gone for you with the business and everything else. Thank you for sharing this. If anything it left me wanting to hear more!
Thank you, I'm glad you found it interesting! I tried to be as honest as I could, and if I'm being more honest.. got a tad emotional around take 20. Ha. I hope everything is alright your end, I remember binging all of your warcry painting video a few years ago! 😀
@@BroadswordWargaming the emotional part is the best part imo. It's very authentic. Yeah I'm doing ok, kinda fell out of UA-cam when I couldn't seem to grow the way other channels did :D
Feels so strange randomly getting this in my feed. Only stepped foot in the small shop a pair of times since it was rare I head into Castlebar from my little spot in the country. Sort of wholesome to see at the same time. Been thinking about finally picking up something physical like models or books instead of having it all be digital and after playing so many video games and sucking up so much warhammer lore. Great video, young Rik Mayall
Very honest, and informative video and reflects all the independent games store owners I know. When in University, I was mentored and told to be careful of monetizing your passion. It was a warning but not a denial of whether you could strike a balance. I chose to stay close to my passions but opted not to turn it into my living. Props to you two for jumping in hip deep! Enjoy the Supply/ Mentorship of the hobbyists and stay sound and entertaining. Love your videos and insights!
In a world dominated by online hobby stores and big box stores that don't really carry what gamers need, the local brick and mortar hobby shop is so important. It takes guts to enter the market (or grave stupidity!) and I applaud you for taking the risk to feed the community. I sincerely wish you the best of luck and success. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GAMING SHOP!
Great video. I didnt realise you had a store too, I'm quite new to the channel. You are about 3.5 hours south west of me, one day i'll have to take a drive down to visit and pick some hobby stuff up no doubts!
Running your own business is hard, no doubt. Long hours, having all your energy split 10 different ways every moment, and always second guessing yourself are not even the worst of it - admin is. I don't know about Ireland, but in the US, the paperwork is soul crushing. The dream is of running your own business that you're passionate about. The nightmare is all the 'business' end that takes you out of the passion, and often, the passion out of you. If the gaming community there can support you, then you'll probably do well. You're both smart and ambitious. If you can keep your chins up in the rough days, there will be the good days, too. I wish you the best of luck, and hope to see a future video about how much better things have gotten - more employees, more shop space, more customers, and, most importantly, more time to relax and enjoy... :)
I hear your pain. I have been unemployed for a while due to social anxiety and other issues. I realized that if not for family circumstances as a safety net, I would be a homeless bum. Even the bad days you speak of sound like heaven, comparatively. I still want to open my own hobby store. I remember the hobby store in my hometown back in 1986 (yes, a full year before WH40K was even a thing). The guy who ran it had to shut down after four years. He probably felt horrible and sour about the endeavor due to limited clientele (in a major college town!) but if I ever see him again I want him to know how much he changed my life. I would have never known about miniatures or Games Workshop at all if not for that store having been there just as I went into high school and needed a coping solution for my life. I don't know what else I could have done during those years but be depressed and bored. That store was a Godsend. That and a new store in my hometown (and their stated message of being a haven for kids with bad home lives) has made me realize it's about changing people's lives.
Life’s hard Wether or not your business is rewarding is on what you choose to take away from it and what you aspire towards regardless of it. Looks to me like you’ve got a great setup, just throw a great coffee drinking atmosphere in there and you’ll have more punters. Those modular tables which flip between gaming and coffee table are ace. Half a dozen of those and customers can choose their experience. Keep plugging away, always stay positive despite the monotony. Good luck to both of you x
Hugely appreciate your having done so Olly - great service and every delivery is always on time from my experience. Here's to your continued success, and exciting times ahead for all things 10th edition!
My parents had a Hobby store for about 10 years and it did very well, mostly do to magic the gathering and them having game nights. They had Warhammer miniatures for a bit but they never sold so they ended up sending them all back. It's a small town so that was likely why they didn't sell. They ended up selling the store so they could move to Quebec since we have family there. I still live in the small town and the store is still open and doing well. Best of luck to you guys, I am sure it will go well.
Fantastic to see such honesty. As someone who suffers with mental health do to a rare liver disease stopping me from getting out, it's nice to hear someone saying to look after your head space. Keep up the great content.
As a father of two young children in my late 30s, this resonates. Put me in an emergency, I can be cool as cucumber, make me talk bout how I feel trying to support my family and I'm a mess. You're a hero. Be kind to yourself. I wish you all the luck!
Totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been in the industry 12 years and an owner for 6 years now and you hit how I feel all the time. It’s the most fun and simultaneously the most stressfully hard thing you can do. I play dramatically less these days too as the shop eats up a lot of my time, and I also feel like I derive more fun now from seeing that moment when someone’s hobby journey begins, or putting on a memorable event, rather than just rolling dice for my own games. Your content is awesome and the best thing I can recommend as someone who has been and or is where you are in the journey is to make sure you take time for you and you’re family where possible and keep an eye on your mental state. Burnout is real and it’s tough to get out of sometimes!
I worked retail all through the pandemic, first frontline in a big box store and then in the receiving department at a local family-owned grocery store, so I have seen a decent bit of the kinds of challenges you all must be taking on right now. Sincere respect for taking such a challenge on and talking freely about the ups and downs of things. Best of luck, and if I'm ever able to make it across the pond to visit the area, I'll be sure to drop by, stock up on any kits and supplies I think will clear customs, and maybe swap some retail horror stories over a game.
Truly a great thing to have a shop like yours in Mayo. A very endearing video showing a glimpse behind the curtain. I hope plenty of people continue to support you!
Geat video, really interesting. I'm in Dublin, with presumably the biggest concentration of wargamers in Ireland, and I think it's extra impressive that you made a go of it in Mayo where the population density probably isnt in your favour. And your 2021 40k ITC event was by far the best 40k event I've ever been to! 👌🏻
A great video to see what it takes to run the shop. I always enjoy ordering off Broadsword, great service. Especially now since Other Realms here in Cork closed recently. These shops are great centers for people, and promote the hobby in its various forms. Hope it keeps going well and grows.
Just to add to this that I've had several friendships and even a new job come out of connections made at this store! You guys are making a real difference in the community by giving us somewhere to enjoy the hobby.
Thx for sharing your passion w/ us! Really appreciate it! Opening your own business anytime is a challenge, doing it 2 years ago during the pandemic was really trial by fire for anyone in retail. Best of luck w/ your shop, takes courage to try and chase your dreams!
as someone who also took their hobby and made it into my full time job, I completely relate to this. Very high highs but there can be really low lows as well. It's all part and parcel together! Great video and thanks for being vulnerable with us! ❤
Such an honest video Oliver, it was really nice to watch. my wife and I worked together for years until she sold her buissness, like you said there are good days and bad days and although that is true of all walks of lives it is so amplified when your running a small to medium size family buissness. For me it wasn’t in a sector that I love the way you love wargaming but being able to spend all my time with her was amazing and now I have a different job and I can’t spend all my time with her it hurts a lot, I wish you and Ciara all the luck in the world, may you be able to spend many many happy years working together.
That's genuinely really touching to read, honestly. I find it difficult to keep sight of things sometimes.. but you're right, I should appreciate the days we get to work (and spend time) together because who knows what will happen. Thank you so much for your kind words. 😊
I can totally relate. A few years ago I looked into opening my own gaming store but after running the figures I couldn't afford it, so instead I looked into ecommerce and started a little eBay store. In two years it's grown and grown, I'm fast approaching the VAT threshold and that's great but it is all consuming. I have a two year old daughter and life is basically work, eat, looking after my daughter, stressing a little bit about money and work. But being self employed gives me the freedom to spend hours with my daughter every single day, so much more than if I worked a normal 9 to 5. But there's not enough hours in the day, not by a mile. It's so frustrating because I can clearly see the more time I invest in my business the more I get out of it, but there are only so many waking hours in a day. But it will get better. Good luck to you!
Starting your own business, in the wargaming sphere or not, is always a HUGE undertaking and challenge. Hang in there man. Always remember what made you started it. Don't feel ashamed to seek out support on bad days (in any aspect), even from unconventional sources. Never forget to innovate and learn new things! I know these sounds evergreen but sometimes, a revisit of it can help get back on track. This is my first time knowing this channel exist and also my first view. After seeing your subscriber count, you are definitely doing something right!
Good luck! Great to see another shop opening in the West, especially the Northwest. I knew a few guys trying to make it work in Sligo a few years ago. I'll see about putting in an order to support you, local shops are so important!
I opened my own Game Store here in America 5 years ago. I totally understand everything you’re going through. Like you my wife and I run it and we’re the only employees. We all have good days and bad. For example I’m really jealous seeing your video because you’ve got both the new Vallejo Game Color revamp line and Duncan Rhodes paints in stock. I’ve been waiting for mine to clear US Customs for months. Your store looks great though. Stay strong and it will all work out. Trust me the joy is more than worth the headache. Best of luck to you.
What I’m curious about is realistically, how much was startup stock? I was thinking about a shop about 1000-1200 sqft with gaming tables. I speak to owners in other towns about business but everyone is tight lipped. They’re afraid that I would compete with them even though I’m over 50 mi away.
I‘ve been eyeing broadsword shop for a while and realizing I don’t have to pay customs fees from Ireland I‘ll order some stuff soon surely ;-) the both of you make very enjoyable, informative and wholesome content and I wish the best of luck to your family and business!
Great video. Support your local independent games store. A small independent games/book shop has opened near me. As soon as I was aware I make a point of always buying something from them when I go into the Town Centre. I do this whether I need anything or not and accept that although might be able to get things cheaper online, I want to support this business. The trip into Town would be less attractive to me if they weren’t there.
As someone who is trying to setup a side hustle in order to eventually leave my current employment situation this was an inspiring video I have stumbled upon. Thanks for sharing your story and insights.
Thank you for sharing your journey, I needed that. We started our own game store 6 months ago, and everything you said struck home. I love your UA-cam channel, I imagine people love being at your store even more!
Love the shop tour. Fair play to you both for sticking with the shop through a pandemic!! I hope you keep building and growing to the stage where you both get to enjoy working in the store more.
My hats off to you. Running a small business is rough on it's own, much less one that focuses on hobbies (not essentials), but sacrificing for a dream is sometimes a powerful experience. When I was coming up on my military retirement, I looked into it as an option. It had always been my dream to have a hobby/retro gaming store. But as I dove deeper into it and talked to individuals who had been in the life for a bit of time, I realized how hard you worked for what you get in return financially. And having much more lucrative options in the cybersecurity world, I chose that. Still in the back of my mind, maybe I'll come back to it some day. I can't imagine how incredible it would be to run a successful business with my wife, surrounded by things you truly enjoy, and sharing that passion with other people.
I feel you, I took my passion/hobby of beekeeping and made it into a business. Awesome highs and painful lows at times, appreciate your open eloquent honesty 👍🏻
Definitely will make this a stop and shop when I visit your city. Gotta support those who chase the dreams we all think about it. The best things to pursue are always a labor of love. Thanks for your honesty and I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.
Mate, I still remember playing Necromunda in GW Peterborough with you and your brother like 25 years ago. It's been great seeing your channel and business blossom, keep going!
Excellent video as always. Ciara is so funny, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speed paint evaluation videos are my favorite. Keep up the great work you two!
A very interesting watch as a small business owner myself, I can heavily relate... We opened a online store selling GW during the lockdown as I got back into the hobby, I found GW mis-sold a dream of these amazing margins (in fact, some stuff was under 10% when taking into account online prices), and unrivalled support from them (which was weekly or monthly check ins, and a small marketing budget of £100 a year). Whereas we actually got a range which we had to keep stocked up, which was apparently the "best sellers", which sat on our shelves up until we closed this side of our business down early 2023 and then sold off at trade prices across Facebook & eBay. I fully respect you for being able to make it work!
I would love to do this in the future but I really appreciate the look into this and also getting to see such a wonderful store and awesome people from overseas!
That was one of the best videos on the subject of the wargaming hobby that I have seen. I applaud your efforts, enthusiasm and above all your honesty about how hard it can be. I wish you both every success in the future, and thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us.
For anyone watching this and wondering what the store is like; Last summer I drove down from Dublin to Mayo for a learn killteam event that the guys were running for free in the store. Firstly you couldn't ask for a friendlier, more engaging, enthusiastic and genuinely lovely pair. The shop itself is a treasure trove tucked into an idyllic Irish town, their range is incredible for such a small space and all of their display boards are next level. I'd not played a tabletop game since preteen floorhammer and the guys worked really hard to explain the rules and tactics. Were it not for that trip I think I would have drifted out of the hobby, but now it is my favorite downtime activity. I feel for the pair of you because it is obvious how hard you work and how invested you are. I really hope you get the balance right and that it all keeps coming up Millhouse. Big Love for the Broadsword :)
So me and my wife opened a hobby shop in a town where there was no place to buy or play warhammer, I still work a job myself (about 50 hours a week) and my wife worked the store whenever i was not there, fast forward two years and we are blessed with two part time worker that help run the day to day, but I still work my job. Everything you said is 100% on the mark, (shipping is a nightmare lol) just wanted to let you know that we share the same experience, keep up the grind! seeing new people having the chance to get into this hobby is such an amazing thing to give to people
All the work you two are putting in now will pay off. And you have each others backs. Well done guys. You're both brave and inspirational. Keep up the good work!!
Totally appreciate you sharing what its like to own a hobby store and the struggles of your day to day. I feel your pain with always feeling like you have to keep on top of the store or the channel and not having enough time for yourself. Just know We do appreciate the work you put into these videos and they are excellent so thank you.
Thank you for making this video. I had started a small local hobby/wargaming shop at the start of 2020 here in the US. Despite the folly of opening and 2 weeks later being thrown into a global pandemic, by any means possible I managed to keep my store alive (I did curbside ordering, local free delivery, pretty much whatever I could). However, I was highly unprepared for the sheer amount of time/money/work that would be involved in the endeavor. I was also unprepared for the incredibly frustrating factors that would greatly affect my business that were outside my control. After 2 and a half years of making it by, but at times struggling greatly, a combination of things (some my fault, and some not) I was forced to shut down. I miss it greatly, I never loved working so much in my life. The friendships you make, the customer bonds you build with individuals and a gaming community are second to none. As is the amount of hours you put in... many times I was working 100 hours a week as I did not have any employees other than myself. The money just wasn't there for it. I, as many other small shops, likely also have problems with vendors (big and small) changing allocations without notice, denying stock because they sold it all to bigger competitors, shorting orders without explanation, etc... These things can be devastating to a small shop trying to stay afloat in a competitive area and while maintaining customer confidence. There is nothing worse than having a customer pre-order an item with you, in turn you order it from your vendor, and the vendor decides at the last minute they are going to send it to you, leaving you to fix the situation with your clients. Many times companies like Games-Workshop would for example change my allocation to 1 of an item I ordered 6 of, citing "supply shortages", However, the other large hobby shops in my area would have 10-20 of the same item just sitting on shelves (as would the local Warhammer store). Meanwhile I had to figure out how to fulfil my customers orders (which I did, even if that meant buying it at a competitor's shop) just to make sure my customers didn't do without. Long story very short... I appreciate this video for its content and for you the owners for making it. I understand how you feel. Sadly, its been almost a year ago since I had to close my doors for good. But the wheel keeps turning. All I can say to any of your customers that are bothering to read this... please please please, support your local gaming store. Not because they are the cheapest in town (even if they aren't), not because you can "instant gratification" always off their shelves, do it because you love the shop. Every sale matters to them, not just because of the money. We as gamers will only have the places that really deliver the experience if we are willing to put our hobby dollars to work exclusively in those places.
Unsolicited advice from a psychologist who's also tried running several of my own businesses: almost everything you're telling us in this video is like a "Bullet Point List of Burnout Red Flags". Take care of yourself, the amount of stress and workload you're putting yourself under with what I gathered basically amounts to working 300% without having your basic needs met is very unhealthy, dangerous and worrying. I know you didn't ask for this advice, but feel free to reach out if you want a professional perspective on these things.
Thank you for your honesty, not many people are honest about their feeling of starting a business let alone put a video out on you tube saying it's not all roses
Honestly, it was kind of terrifying to release, just in case I wrecked the shop and channel (if it was received badly). The response has been wonderful, so thanks for watching! Always appreciated. 😀
I have the biggest of respects for you as a business man, youtuber and hobbiest. I hope you are able to manage the stress and continue to grow the store. I hope the business takes off increadibly well and you get compensated in the way that you and your family deserve. Keep it up man
Glad you've found what you love and have the ability to make money off of it even if it doesn't seem like a lot right now. A lot of your worries you talk about in the video sounds like you have a drive to work and succeed, and all those pressures seem normal. Keep getting after it
I've looked into opening a store, very seriously, no less than 5 times. I have come to one conclusion each time. You need to be independently wealthy, or live in the store and eat Ramen, to survive. Even leaving my job to become a full time commission painter was a HUGE leap for me and you're right, it's rough some days/weeks.
I think it’s easy to forget that struggling is a part of normal life and you will come up against issues with any job, it’s all down to sacrifice and what you are willing to do for the love of running your own shop, I’m a children’s book illustrator who had a massive passion for drawing but when it’s a business and you do it as a job it’s difficult to maintain that same love, which can be really difficult, good luck to you is all I say, it’s not easy.
I did the same and set up monstrous light games during the lockdown, weve been in ashton for 2 years now and this video touched me so hard cos im in your exact situation and i feel you so much. Thank you for this video. I love this and i appreciate you so much for this. I needed it right now.
I understand completely. I have made most of my hobbies into my job at some point. My current career is based in manufacturing side of my favorite hobby. I feel this video in my soul.
An amazing video! If I'd lived near by I'd be supporting you both all the way for sure. Your openness and honesty is so welcoming in this day and age, young new hobbyists are lucky to have you!
I thought that was a really great description of what it's like, based on my own expriences running Shiny Games. A different situation, but so many similarities, especially being so conflicted about whether you're taking the right path or not. I wish you both all the best with it, it sounds like a great store and a thriving local community that you really make a difference for.
Really interesting vid, Hope I can make my way over to you guys in the future. Castlebar is about 3 hours from me on a good day so id have to make a day outta it but Id love to support you guys.
Thank you for sharing- and I hope you stick with it- the kids that come into your shop needing an escape from god-knows-what have to have local shops to find- keep fighting that fight!
I love how open and vulnerable you are. I’m from Arizona, US and the feeling of store owners here is the same as it is for you. Less time gaming, more time trying to build community and find the groove. I can’t imagine trying to create content and all of life’s other responsibilities as well. Cheers to you and Ciara for making it work and making it look easy!
I heard mention of Peterborough's GW... That's my local! This is a really cool and interesting insight on running a hobby shop and something that I do plan on one day doing. I admire you honesty in the last part in particular!
Amazing video! and thank you for sharing it with us. I used to think and dream about opening a hobby shop/card shop, but those got quickly dashed when I landed a gig trying to sell "Amish Made" Cabins here in Kentucky. I am just not cut out for sales, I dont like ripping people off, hiding issues with the sheds, hiding hidden fees, and such. All witch my boss was actively trying to promote to do. After that, running a shop just left a bad memory.
For decades I had a dream of opening a game store, and occasionally I came very close to starting it, but in the end it was a hard choice to realize that for me, it was just a dream, not an actual thing I really wanted to do. It was hard to finally admit that to myself, but videos like this make me glad I didn't try it without really being willing to do it 150%.
You are experiencing life! 25 years married as of yesterday, have the lumps and smiles to prove it. What’s good is you look like you have someone who’ll keep you grounded. Great video, you really opened up and put your heart out there for us! Thanks for the insight!
It's been maybe 10 years since I've been there but GW Peterborough is probably the best GW stores I've ever been to. At one point they had the most Golden daemons of any shop team/employees anywhere and it really showed in their display cases. Thanks for the honest insight to the real day-to-day experience of running your shop, best of luck to you
Thanks for giving an honest and upfront answer about your experiences on this matter rather than papering it over with what people might want to see/hear. :)
I hear you, man. I'm a software engineer and opened my own videogame studio 7 years ago. I can relate so much to your final points. Just to think of the money I could have made if I had just got a straight programming job compared to what I've made doing this... makes me shiver. Then again, most of my friends are software engineers as well (all the way back from uni), and most of them are pretty burned out in their jobs, and have multiple complaints about their life. I feel like I don't really envy anyone. It's just that, in the job market of 2023, it simply sucks to be in your mid-30's. Hang in there, and massive thumbs up! We want places like your shop to exist.
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Is there anything else you would like to know about opening your own hobby shop, ask away? Also, if you want to help support our family run business, check out www.broadswordwargaming.com :) THANKS! :)
Just remember to disconnect and take a break every once in awhile - it's your career and your business, but make sure you have time for yourself and your family as well. Self employed, corporate, whatever - you make time for the things you make time for.
I would love to know how you find suppliers, stock etc
Sounds like it would help to win lotto first 😂
To be honest I didn’t even know about your shop until this video and went and had a wee look and it’s Awesomeness ! Are you able to ship to Australia 🇦🇺 ?
i too have had the joy of running a game store
A friend of mine opened his own game shop 10 years ago. He's had good years, he's had bad years, but the last three years have been amazing because his community finally found him, and it's been amazing. I'm hoping the same for you! Congratulations!
I opened my own shop exactly like yours back in 2009 when I was 29. I managed to keep it for 10 years and closed in 2019, so I understand very well the struggles, the joy and all the feelings you expressed in this video. Those years were the best of my life, I saw children growing up and becoming young adults. I gave all I could to the small community where I live, and people still recognizes me and remember the good days they spent in my shop. Unfortunately I couldn't survive all the expenses and taxes that we have here in Italy so my dream ended. When I think of my time working in my beautiful shop I still shred a tear, I did that just today while trying to arrange all the stocks of products I still have in my house..and then it happened to see this video in my youtube home. So guys enjoy every day of your ride while it lasts, because I really felt happy to go to work every day and it's something I never experienced before and after that. Hopefully in your case it will be for many years until you will retire :) Good luck from Italy
"Have you ever dreamed of opening up your own hobby shop?"
No
After watching the video: FUCK NO. This is the kind of stress that would kill me. You both have more strength than me
Haha. That bit is the BRUTAL truth about opening a hobby shop.
@@BroadswordWargaming I wish you both and every other LGS owner the very best.
@ChibsterofNurgy like this will all small business, I employ 2 staff. Pay around 150k in wages.
You learn how to switch off, what's hard is learning how to switch on. On a Sunday night, I am preparing for the next week. I wish as I cant seem to find the perfect balance.
I find loving and being happy you don't have a boss is what we need to remember. As some weeks my staff make more than me. Some weeks I make 10x more than them
I'll forever be grateful you took that risk and fostered such a great local store and hobby peeps. Thanks to you and Ciara l've found a community here, which made a new town feel like home.❤
I also really appreciate that you came into this video with true authenticity in your thoughts and feelings, I'm sure that resonates with so many.
These kinds of comments are genuinely what makes it all worth it ❤
I work in another irish hobby retail store and have done for 12 years and you've hit everything exactly how it really is on the head. It can be incredibly frustrating on the bad days and absolutely fulfilling on the best. I wish you both nothing but good luck and good times.
Great video! Even though I'm not local I'm always grateful to the people out there who put their time and effort into running the stores that make our hobby great!
Well said!
I have my own hobby shop and I agree wholehartedly with this.
It has a lot of lows but also really nice highs. It takes time, a huge amount of patience and stress management.
Things you wouldn't normally associate with a hobby store, but that's life
Right!? I mean, it's not great that we get so stressed out at times, but it's nice to hear we aren't alone! Keep it up and keep at it. Always around for a chat.
@@BroadswordWargaming of course, when ever you want mate :)
@@BroadswordWargaming It's great that you are passionate about wargaming. FLGS owners need to be passionate about this hobby. I just wish I knew about FLGS before buying 40K at GW. I hate GW pushy salesman! Best of luck to your business!
My parents own a pet store (not a hobby store) and seeing the difficulties that have come with it since being a kid I honestly could never see myself running a store of any kind. It doesn't help that the government in my country does everything in their power to make the life of an entrepreneur harder and harder every single year.
Running a miniature gaming store means having to deal with GWs complete incompetence when it comes to actually having enough supply for demand would just be yet another cause of stress. I don't envy anyone who runs these stores.
I visited your shop in 2020 when browsing around the city when I saw your sign I decided to go in as I had been looking at minis for a while I picked up my first mini and now I enjoy this hobby so much I wish you all the best in your business ❤Love from Dublin
Honestly, great video. Making a hobby a job can cut both ways and I think you see that in this video. It can be great, as the saying goes, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Except the times the Work spoils what you enjoy doing... Wishing you Ciara all the best with the shop!
This is just fantastic content. Very raw, very real, and fascinating to hear your story and how it has gone for you with the business and everything else. Thank you for sharing this. If anything it left me wanting to hear more!
Thank you, I'm glad you found it interesting! I tried to be as honest as I could, and if I'm being more honest.. got a tad emotional around take 20. Ha.
I hope everything is alright your end, I remember binging all of your warcry painting video a few years ago! 😀
@@BroadswordWargaming the emotional part is the best part imo. It's very authentic. Yeah I'm doing ok, kinda fell out of UA-cam when I couldn't seem to grow the way other channels did :D
Got to visit in October last year, wonderful little shop and Ciara and Oliver were super nice!
Thanks for the kind words! 😊
Feels so strange randomly getting this in my feed. Only stepped foot in the small shop a pair of times since it was rare I head into Castlebar from my little spot in the country. Sort of wholesome to see at the same time. Been thinking about finally picking up something physical like models or books instead of having it all be digital and after playing so many video games and sucking up so much warhammer lore.
Great video, young Rik Mayall
Very honest, and informative video and reflects all the independent games store owners I know. When in University, I was mentored and told to be careful of monetizing your passion. It was a warning but not a denial of whether you could strike a balance. I chose to stay close to my passions but opted not to turn it into my living. Props to you two for jumping in hip deep!
Enjoy the Supply/ Mentorship of the hobbyists and stay sound and entertaining.
Love your videos and insights!
In a world dominated by online hobby stores and big box stores that don't really carry what gamers need, the local brick and mortar hobby shop is so important. It takes guts to enter the market (or grave stupidity!) and I applaud you for taking the risk to feed the community. I sincerely wish you the best of luck and success.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GAMING SHOP!
Good luck to you. Anyone who takes a risk and helps keep the high street thriving deserves all the credit in the world.
Great video. I didnt realise you had a store too, I'm quite new to the channel. You are about 3.5 hours south west of me, one day i'll have to take a drive down to visit and pick some hobby stuff up no doubts!
Running your own business is hard, no doubt. Long hours, having all your energy split 10 different ways every moment, and always second guessing yourself are not even the worst of it - admin is. I don't know about Ireland, but in the US, the paperwork is soul crushing. The dream is of running your own business that you're passionate about. The nightmare is all the 'business' end that takes you out of the passion, and often, the passion out of you.
If the gaming community there can support you, then you'll probably do well. You're both smart and ambitious. If you can keep your chins up in the rough days, there will be the good days, too. I wish you the best of luck, and hope to see a future video about how much better things have gotten - more employees, more shop space, more customers, and, most importantly, more time to relax and enjoy... :)
I hear your pain. I have been unemployed for a while due to social anxiety and other issues. I realized that if not for family circumstances as a safety net, I would be a homeless bum. Even the bad days you speak of sound like heaven, comparatively. I still want to open my own hobby store. I remember the hobby store in my hometown back in 1986 (yes, a full year before WH40K was even a thing). The guy who ran it had to shut down after four years. He probably felt horrible and sour about the endeavor due to limited clientele (in a major college town!) but if I ever see him again I want him to know how much he changed my life. I would have never known about miniatures or Games Workshop at all if not for that store having been there just as I went into high school and needed a coping solution for my life. I don't know what else I could have done during those years but be depressed and bored. That store was a Godsend. That and a new store in my hometown (and their stated message of being a haven for kids with bad home lives) has made me realize it's about changing people's lives.
Life’s hard
Wether or not your business is rewarding is on what you choose to take away from it and what you aspire towards regardless of it.
Looks to me like you’ve got a great setup, just throw a great coffee drinking atmosphere in there and you’ll have more punters.
Those modular tables which flip between gaming and coffee table are ace. Half a dozen of those and customers can choose their experience.
Keep plugging away, always stay positive despite the monotony.
Good luck to both of you x
Hugely appreciate your having done so Olly - great service and every delivery is always on time from my experience. Here's to your continued success, and exciting times ahead for all things 10th edition!
Aw thanks so much! We always pack as soon as we can because I hate waiting for toys haha. Thank you for your support, it means alot to us over here! 😀
My parents had a Hobby store for about 10 years and it did very well, mostly do to magic the gathering and them having game nights. They had Warhammer miniatures for a bit but they never sold so they ended up sending them all back. It's a small town so that was likely why they didn't sell. They ended up selling the store so they could move to Quebec since we have family there. I still live in the small town and the store is still open and doing well. Best of luck to you guys, I am sure it will go well.
Fantastic to see such honesty. As someone who suffers with mental health do to a rare liver disease stopping me from getting out, it's nice to hear someone saying to look after your head space. Keep up the great content.
As a father of two young children in my late 30s, this resonates. Put me in an emergency, I can be cool as cucumber, make me talk bout how I feel trying to support my family and I'm a mess.
You're a hero. Be kind to yourself. I wish you all the luck!
Totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been in the industry 12 years and an owner for 6 years now and you hit how I feel all the time. It’s the most fun and simultaneously the most stressfully hard thing you can do.
I play dramatically less these days too as the shop eats up a lot of my time, and I also feel like I derive more fun now from seeing that moment when someone’s hobby journey begins, or putting on a memorable event, rather than just rolling dice for my own games.
Your content is awesome and the best thing I can recommend as someone who has been and or is where you are in the journey is to make sure you take time for you and you’re family where possible and keep an eye on your mental state. Burnout is real and it’s tough to get out of sometimes!
I worked retail all through the pandemic, first frontline in a big box store and then in the receiving department at a local family-owned grocery store, so I have seen a decent bit of the kinds of challenges you all must be taking on right now. Sincere respect for taking such a challenge on and talking freely about the ups and downs of things. Best of luck, and if I'm ever able to make it across the pond to visit the area, I'll be sure to drop by, stock up on any kits and supplies I think will clear customs, and maybe swap some retail horror stories over a game.
Truly a great thing to have a shop like yours in Mayo. A very endearing video showing a glimpse behind the curtain. I hope plenty of people continue to support you!
Geat video, really interesting. I'm in Dublin, with presumably the biggest concentration of wargamers in Ireland, and I think it's extra impressive that you made a go of it in Mayo where the population density probably isnt in your favour. And your 2021 40k ITC event was by far the best 40k event I've ever been to! 👌🏻
A great video to see what it takes to run the shop. I always enjoy ordering off Broadsword, great service. Especially now since Other Realms here in Cork closed recently.
These shops are great centers for people, and promote the hobby in its various forms. Hope it keeps going well and grows.
Just to add to this that I've had several friendships and even a new job come out of connections made at this store! You guys are making a real difference in the community by giving us somewhere to enjoy the hobby.
Thx for sharing your passion w/ us! Really appreciate it! Opening your own business anytime is a challenge, doing it 2 years ago during the pandemic was really trial by fire for anyone in retail. Best of luck w/ your shop, takes courage to try and chase your dreams!
as someone who also took their hobby and made it into my full time job, I completely relate to this. Very high highs but there can be really low lows as well. It's all part and parcel together! Great video and thanks for being vulnerable with us! ❤
I've got neck ache from nodding along to this. You've managed to convey the experience incredibly well, much love from a fellow hobby shop owner ❤
Such an honest video Oliver, it was really nice to watch. my wife and I worked together for years until she sold her buissness, like you said there are good days and bad days and although that is true of all walks of lives it is so amplified when your running a small to medium size family buissness. For me it wasn’t in a sector that I love the way you love wargaming but being able to spend all my time with her was amazing and now I have a different job and I can’t spend all my time with her it hurts a lot, I wish you and Ciara all the luck in the world, may you be able to spend many many happy years working together.
That's genuinely really touching to read, honestly. I find it difficult to keep sight of things sometimes.. but you're right, I should appreciate the days we get to work (and spend time) together because who knows what will happen.
Thank you so much for your kind words. 😊
I can totally relate. A few years ago I looked into opening my own gaming store but after running the figures I couldn't afford it, so instead I looked into ecommerce and started a little eBay store. In two years it's grown and grown, I'm fast approaching the VAT threshold and that's great but it is all consuming. I have a two year old daughter and life is basically work, eat, looking after my daughter, stressing a little bit about money and work. But being self employed gives me the freedom to spend hours with my daughter every single day, so much more than if I worked a normal 9 to 5. But there's not enough hours in the day, not by a mile. It's so frustrating because I can clearly see the more time I invest in my business the more I get out of it, but there are only so many waking hours in a day. But it will get better. Good luck to you!
4:54 OMG that Hero Quest box! Still the best figurine boardgame ever!
The game that started it all for me!
Starting your own business, in the wargaming sphere or not, is always a HUGE undertaking and challenge. Hang in there man. Always remember what made you started it. Don't feel ashamed to seek out support on bad days (in any aspect), even from unconventional sources. Never forget to innovate and learn new things! I know these sounds evergreen but sometimes, a revisit of it can help get back on track.
This is my first time knowing this channel exist and also my first view. After seeing your subscriber count, you are definitely doing something right!
Good luck! Great to see another shop opening in the West, especially the Northwest. I knew a few guys trying to make it work in Sligo a few years ago. I'll see about putting in an order to support you, local shops are so important!
Ah, thanks so much. That's hugely appreciated. You'll have to come down for a game!
I opened my own Game Store here in America 5 years ago. I totally understand everything you’re going through. Like you my wife and I run it and we’re the only employees. We all have good days and bad. For example I’m really jealous seeing your video because you’ve got both the new Vallejo Game Color revamp line and Duncan Rhodes paints in stock. I’ve been waiting for mine to clear US Customs for months. Your store looks great though. Stay strong and it will all work out. Trust me the joy is more than worth the headache. Best of luck to you.
What I’m curious about is realistically, how much was startup stock? I was thinking about a shop about 1000-1200 sqft with gaming tables. I speak to owners in other towns about business but everyone is tight lipped. They’re afraid that I would compete with them even though I’m over 50 mi away.
@@Abbeville_Kid I own a store. All in was about 100k US. This of course doesn't count recurring costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance etc.
@@ellisonhoracek2106 this was with 1000-1200 sq ft?
@@Abbeville_Kid yes. 1500sqft. Have since grown to 5,000
@@ellisonhoracek2106 at 1.5K sqft, I’m sure you were tripping over 100K worth of stock.
Thanks for the behind the curtain look 👍
I‘ve been eyeing broadsword shop for a while and realizing I don’t have to pay customs fees from Ireland I‘ll order some stuff soon surely ;-) the both of you make very enjoyable, informative and wholesome content and I wish the best of luck to your family and business!
Great video.
Support your local independent games store.
A small independent games/book shop has opened near me.
As soon as I was aware I make a point of always buying something from them when I go into the Town Centre.
I do this whether I need anything or not and accept that although might be able to get things cheaper online, I want to support this business.
The trip into Town would be less attractive to me if they weren’t there.
I love the shaking table in the part of Demo games :D
As someone who is trying to setup a side hustle in order to eventually leave my current employment situation this was an inspiring video I have stumbled upon. Thanks for sharing your story and insights.
You were very Brave. God Bless you and your Family Sir.
Thank you for sharing your journey, I needed that. We started our own game store 6 months ago, and everything you said struck home.
I love your UA-cam channel, I imagine people love being at your store even more!
If i lived in the EU i would 100% support your shop. You seem like a great owner. Best of luck to you from across the pond!
Much appreciated! 😀
Love the shop tour. Fair play to you both for sticking with the shop through a pandemic!! I hope you keep building and growing to the stage where you both get to enjoy working in the store more.
My hats off to you. Running a small business is rough on it's own, much less one that focuses on hobbies (not essentials), but sacrificing for a dream is sometimes a powerful experience.
When I was coming up on my military retirement, I looked into it as an option. It had always been my dream to have a hobby/retro gaming store. But as I dove deeper into it and talked to individuals who had been in the life for a bit of time, I realized how hard you worked for what you get in return financially. And having much more lucrative options in the cybersecurity world, I chose that.
Still in the back of my mind, maybe I'll come back to it some day. I can't imagine how incredible it would be to run a successful business with my wife, surrounded by things you truly enjoy, and sharing that passion with other people.
You have A new customer, keep going, you are doing great, not just being a shop, but providing a home for us hobby nerds
Thanks for the honesty. Very insightful. You've got a great store there! I wish you guys all the best of luck with the shop and hope it gets easier.
thank you so much! :)
Castlebar? My wifes family is in Balina, been that way may times. Next time we are visiting i will look you up!
Just up the road! Welcome to pop in and roll some dice whenever. 😀
Thanks for the name check. So glad you're having a great time with your hobby store. Best of luck for the future.
I feel you, I took my passion/hobby of beekeeping and made it into a business. Awesome highs and painful lows at times, appreciate your open eloquent honesty 👍🏻
Definitely will make this a stop and shop when I visit your city. Gotta support those who chase the dreams we all think about it. The best things to pursue are always a labor of love. Thanks for your honesty and I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.
love this video, certainly put me off starting a shop if you need a day job as well!
Thank you for the honesty and can tell that it means a lot to you both. Won't mean much as it's just words but we'll done from me.
Ah, thank you. Honestly, it does mean more than you'd think. YT can be tough at times too. Always appreciate a kind word. 😀
Mate, I still remember playing Necromunda in GW Peterborough with you and your brother like 25 years ago. It's been great seeing your channel and business blossom, keep going!
Ah, those were the days man! I remember them fondly. 😀
Excellent video as always. Ciara is so funny, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speed paint evaluation videos are my favorite. Keep up the great work you two!
A very interesting watch as a small business owner myself, I can heavily relate... We opened a online store selling GW during the lockdown as I got back into the hobby, I found GW mis-sold a dream of these amazing margins (in fact, some stuff was under 10% when taking into account online prices), and unrivalled support from them (which was weekly or monthly check ins, and a small marketing budget of £100 a year). Whereas we actually got a range which we had to keep stocked up, which was apparently the "best sellers", which sat on our shelves up until we closed this side of our business down early 2023 and then sold off at trade prices across Facebook & eBay.
I fully respect you for being able to make it work!
I would love to do this in the future but I really appreciate the look into this and also getting to see such a wonderful store and awesome people from overseas!
That was one of the best videos on the subject of the wargaming hobby that I have seen. I applaud your efforts, enthusiasm and above all your honesty about how hard it can be. I wish you both every success in the future, and thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us.
For anyone watching this and wondering what the store is like;
Last summer I drove down from Dublin to Mayo for a learn killteam event that the guys were running for free in the store. Firstly you couldn't ask for a friendlier, more engaging, enthusiastic and genuinely lovely pair. The shop itself is a treasure trove tucked into an idyllic Irish town, their range is incredible for such a small space and all of their display boards are next level. I'd not played a tabletop game since preteen floorhammer and the guys worked really hard to explain the rules and tactics. Were it not for that trip I think I would have drifted out of the hobby, but now it is my favorite downtime activity. I feel for the pair of you because it is obvious how hard you work and how invested you are. I really hope you get the balance right and that it all keeps coming up Millhouse. Big Love for the Broadsword :)
So me and my wife opened a hobby shop in a town where there was no place to buy or play warhammer, I still work a job myself (about 50 hours a week) and my wife worked the store whenever i was not there, fast forward two years and we are blessed with two part time worker that help run the day to day, but I still work my job. Everything you said is 100% on the mark, (shipping is a nightmare lol) just wanted to let you know that we share the same experience, keep up the grind! seeing new people having the chance to get into this hobby is such an amazing thing to give to people
All the work you two are putting in now will pay off. And you have each others backs. Well done guys. You're both brave and inspirational. Keep up the good work!!
I appreciate the content. Grass is always greener but ultimately it comes down to putting the time in and finding what you're passionate about
Totally appreciate you sharing what its like to own a hobby store and the struggles of your day to day. I feel your pain with always feeling like you have to keep on top of the store or the channel and not having enough time for yourself. Just know We do appreciate the work you put into these videos and they are excellent so thank you.
Thank you for making this video.
I had started a small local hobby/wargaming shop at the start of 2020 here in the US. Despite the folly of opening and 2 weeks later being thrown into a global pandemic, by any means possible I managed to keep my store alive (I did curbside ordering, local free delivery, pretty much whatever I could). However, I was highly unprepared for the sheer amount of time/money/work that would be involved in the endeavor. I was also unprepared for the incredibly frustrating factors that would greatly affect my business that were outside my control. After 2 and a half years of making it by, but at times struggling greatly, a combination of things (some my fault, and some not) I was forced to shut down. I miss it greatly, I never loved working so much in my life. The friendships you make, the customer bonds you build with individuals and a gaming community are second to none. As is the amount of hours you put in... many times I was working 100 hours a week as I did not have any employees other than myself. The money just wasn't there for it. I, as many other small shops, likely also have problems with vendors (big and small) changing allocations without notice, denying stock because they sold it all to bigger competitors, shorting orders without explanation, etc... These things can be devastating to a small shop trying to stay afloat in a competitive area and while maintaining customer confidence. There is nothing worse than having a customer pre-order an item with you, in turn you order it from your vendor, and the vendor decides at the last minute they are going to send it to you, leaving you to fix the situation with your clients. Many times companies like Games-Workshop would for example change my allocation to 1 of an item I ordered 6 of, citing "supply shortages", However, the other large hobby shops in my area would have 10-20 of the same item just sitting on shelves (as would the local Warhammer store). Meanwhile I had to figure out how to fulfil my customers orders (which I did, even if that meant buying it at a competitor's shop) just to make sure my customers didn't do without. Long story very short... I appreciate this video for its content and for you the owners for making it. I understand how you feel. Sadly, its been almost a year ago since I had to close my doors for good. But the wheel keeps turning.
All I can say to any of your customers that are bothering to read this... please please please, support your local gaming store. Not because they are the cheapest in town (even if they aren't), not because you can "instant gratification" always off their shelves, do it because you love the shop. Every sale matters to them, not just because of the money. We as gamers will only have the places that really deliver the experience if we are willing to put our hobby dollars to work exclusively in those places.
Unsolicited advice from a psychologist who's also tried running several of my own businesses: almost everything you're telling us in this video is like a "Bullet Point List of Burnout Red Flags". Take care of yourself, the amount of stress and workload you're putting yourself under with what I gathered basically amounts to working 300% without having your basic needs met is very unhealthy, dangerous and worrying. I know you didn't ask for this advice, but feel free to reach out if you want a professional perspective on these things.
Thank you for your honesty, not many people are honest about their feeling of starting a business let alone put a video out on you tube saying it's not all roses
Honestly, it was kind of terrifying to release, just in case I wrecked the shop and channel (if it was received badly). The response has been wonderful, so thanks for watching! Always appreciated. 😀
I have the biggest of respects for you as a business man, youtuber and hobbiest. I hope you are able to manage the stress and continue to grow the store. I hope the business takes off increadibly well and you get compensated in the way that you and your family deserve. Keep it up man
Glad you've found what you love and have the ability to make money off of it even if it doesn't seem like a lot right now. A lot of your worries you talk about in the video sounds like you have a drive to work and succeed, and all those pressures seem normal. Keep getting after it
I can hear the raw emotion coming from you. Wishing your well and much success in the business.
Thank you 😊
I've looked into opening a store, very seriously, no less than 5 times. I have come to one conclusion each time. You need to be independently wealthy, or live in the store and eat Ramen, to survive.
Even leaving my job to become a full time commission painter was a HUGE leap for me and you're right, it's rough some days/weeks.
I think it’s easy to forget that struggling is a part of normal life and you will come up against issues with any job, it’s all down to sacrifice and what you are willing to do for the love of running your own shop, I’m a children’s book illustrator who had a massive passion for drawing but when it’s a business and you do it as a job it’s difficult to maintain that same love, which can be really difficult, good luck to you is all I say, it’s not easy.
I did the same and set up monstrous light games during the lockdown, weve been in ashton for 2 years now and this video touched me so hard cos im in your exact situation and i feel you so much. Thank you for this video. I love this and i appreciate you so much for this. I needed it right now.
I understand completely. I have made most of my hobbies into my job at some point. My current career is based in manufacturing side of my favorite hobby. I feel this video in my soul.
Fantastic video, Ollie and Ciara, and thanks for being so candid and honest. ❤ I’m happy to support in any way that I can to promote the store.
I absolutely love your transparent way of communicating about this. Thank you!
An amazing video! If I'd lived near by I'd be supporting you both all the way for sure. Your openness and honesty is so welcoming in this day and age, young new hobbyists are lucky to have you!
Dude you got this! You are a cool dude and your passion for the hobby is truly awesome! Keep on keeping on man it'll all work out!
I thought that was a really great description of what it's like, based on my own expriences running Shiny Games. A different situation, but so many similarities, especially being so conflicted about whether you're taking the right path or not. I wish you both all the best with it, it sounds like a great store and a thriving local community that you really make a difference for.
Really interesting vid, Hope I can make my way over to you guys in the future. Castlebar is about 3 hours from me on a good day so id have to make a day outta it but Id love to support you guys.
Running a store is hard ! Kuddos to you guys to making it work !
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing- and I hope you stick with it- the kids that come into your shop needing an escape from god-knows-what have to have local shops to find- keep fighting that fight!
i really enjoyed this look behind the curtain, i hope it all gets a little easier and you have more of those good days than bad.
I love how open and vulnerable you are. I’m from Arizona, US and the feeling of store owners here is the same as it is for you. Less time gaming, more time trying to build community and find the groove. I can’t imagine trying to create content and all of life’s other responsibilities as well. Cheers to you and Ciara for making it work and making it look easy!
Wow! This is a bit of a revelation . I would love running my own store but this is the bit I don't think about . Still I'm up for the challenge.
I heard mention of Peterborough's GW... That's my local! This is a really cool and interesting insight on running a hobby shop and something that I do plan on one day doing. I admire you honesty in the last part in particular!
I can tell how passionate you are about your hobby and business... sending you prayers and positive vibes from across the pond!!
Amazing video! and thank you for sharing it with us. I used to think and dream about opening a hobby shop/card shop, but those got quickly dashed when I landed a gig trying to sell "Amish Made" Cabins here in Kentucky. I am just not cut out for sales, I dont like ripping people off, hiding issues with the sheds, hiding hidden fees, and such. All witch my boss was actively trying to promote to do.
After that, running a shop just left a bad memory.
For decades I had a dream of opening a game store, and occasionally I came very close to starting it, but in the end it was a hard choice to realize that for me, it was just a dream, not an actual thing I really wanted to do. It was hard to finally admit that to myself, but videos like this make me glad I didn't try it without really being willing to do it 150%.
You are experiencing life! 25 years married as of yesterday, have the lumps and smiles to prove it. What’s good is you look like you have someone who’ll keep you grounded. Great video, you really opened up and put your heart out there for us! Thanks for the insight!
I will do my best to support you and buy from you. All the best and thank you for what you do
I'll always respect people opening any kind of shops in these times, it's a such variable domain
Wish you the best
It's been maybe 10 years since I've been there but GW Peterborough is probably the best GW stores I've ever been to. At one point they had the most Golden daemons of any shop team/employees anywhere and it really showed in their display cases. Thanks for the honest insight to the real day-to-day experience of running your shop, best of luck to you
Ahhh Salut, good luck to the pair of you! I hope its a roaring success.
Thank you! 😊
Thanks for giving an honest and upfront answer about your experiences on this matter rather than papering it over with what people might want to see/hear. :)
I hear you, man. I'm a software engineer and opened my own videogame studio 7 years ago. I can relate so much to your final points.
Just to think of the money I could have made if I had just got a straight programming job compared to what I've made doing this... makes me shiver.
Then again, most of my friends are software engineers as well (all the way back from uni), and most of them are pretty burned out in their jobs, and have multiple complaints about their life. I feel like I don't really envy anyone. It's just that, in the job market of 2023, it simply sucks to be in your mid-30's.
Hang in there, and massive thumbs up! We want places like your shop to exist.