My old game store (such as it was) when I lived in the Metroplex was Lone Star Comics & Games. The one nearest me was not big, but it was something: a store crammed with stock for its tiny size, with a friendly and fairly knowledgeable staff. It was a welcoming, clean place and even had a free miniatures painting night that I always planned to join (but never did). Today, Lone Star has no physical stores -- it's a web store. I've also been in plenty of stores that were less than friendly, so I sympathize with those who have no store, or have a store that provides unpleasant experiences or poor selection.
With a quality store like Dragon's Lair in my area, providing me with Free RPG Day goodness, I'm aware of how important it is to keep a healthy physical store in my area. Not only does it give out those lovely freebies, but it provides a community center for gamers and local services in a way that an online store cannot match. Yes, we can almost always find a way to get our materials cheaper, but the place of the store for things like these must be supported.
So after I picked up what I blogged about yesterday, I went on to make some purchases. Find them below.
Above are two copies of Pathfinder: City of Secrets #2, a pack of Reign of Winter minis, and some new purple dice to go with my new Crown Regal bag.
What have you, esteemed ramblers, picked up lately at your store? Or do you have further thoughts on keeping the FLGS healthy?