Opening a board game store is about more than just selling games. It’s about creating a space where people can come together, discover new games, and feel part of a community.
Here’s how you can set up your board game store to create a fun and immersive experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Make Your Shop Layout Part of the Experience
When you’re planning the layout of your store, think about how you want your customers to feel as they walk in. You want them to feel excited, comfortable, and curious. The layout of your store is a big part of that, and it should help your customers navigate the space while encouraging them to stick around and explore.
Create a Welcoming First Impression
When customers walk into your store, they should first notice how inviting it feels.
Think about your entrance; does it feel open and warm? Consider placing a fun, eye-catching display at the door with your latest game releases or a “featured game of the week.” This will give customers something interesting to check out as soon as they enter and set the tone for the rest of their experience.
Once inside, ensure they can easily browse and discover new games. You don’t want to overwhelm them with rows of shelves that are hard to navigate. Instead, create clear paths that allow customers to move freely and explore the store at their own pace.
Encourage customers to stay and play
One of the best ways to get people to stick around and engage with your store is to give them a space to play and test out the board games on sale. Consider setting up a few tables where people can try out new games or hosting game nights.
These interactive spaces make your store feel like more than just a shop; it becomes a place to hang out with friends, meet other gamers, and experience new things.
Board Game Store Events
Hosting in-store events is also a great way to attract customers and make them feel part of something special. Game nights, tournaments, and demo events can create buzz and help your store stand out as a fun and vibrant part of the community. When people feel part of something exciting, they’ll be more likely to return and tell others about your store.
If you’re considering hosting events, our demonstrations team can help you create a fun and engaging experience for your customers.
Use Your Space to Show Off Your Games With Board Game Storage
The way you display your games can set the mood in your store. You want customers to find what they’re looking for easily, but you also want to showcase your products excitingly and invitingly.
Look at our board game storage ideas and get some inspiration for creative displays that could help you showcase games in new ways.
Mix It Up with Eye-Catching Board Game Displays
Get creative with your displays instead of just lining up rows of games! Group games by theme or genre, like family games, strategy games, or role-playing games.
This makes it easier for customers to find what they like while allowing them to discover something new. You can even create a “new releases” section so people can easily spot the latest and greatest games.
Top tip: Add fun details to your displays to make them stand out. Use bright colours, interesting lighting, and fun signage to grab attention. The goal is to make your store feel like an experience, not just a place to buy games.
Don’t Forget About the Little Things When It Comes To Your Shop’s Layout
Simple touches can go a long way in making your store feel special.
Comfortable seating, a welcoming atmosphere, and fun decorations can help your customers feel at home. Create little pockets where people can relax, chat, and even try out a game on the spot. This way, your store becomes a place to hang out, not just shop.
Looking for inspiration? Find your local board game store here for store design ideas.
Learn What Works by Watching Your Customer Behaviour in Your Board Game Store
Make some time to watch how customers interact with the space. It might sound simple, but attention to how people move through your store can give you great insights.
Look for Patterns in Customer Behaviour
Take a moment to observe where customers tend to linger in your store. Are they spending more time in front of specific game displays? Are they spending extra time in your new releases section? These are great clues about what’s catching their interest.
You don’t need fancy tech to figure this out – just pay attention and take notes. If you notice that a particular section of your store gets more attention, consider how to highlight those areas even more.
Maybe you’ll notice that customers tend to spend time exploring the strategy games section. If so, you might want to create a more prominent display in that area or add some seating where people can sit and chat about the games.
Or your new releases are getting a lot of attention. Consider making that area more inviting by showcasing new games with colourful displays or themed shelves.
Interested in discovering great games for your store? Check out our board and card game collection to add exciting titles to your offerings!
It’s All About Creating a Flowing Store Design
One key thing to consider is how easy it is for customers to move around your store. Are there any areas that feel crowded or hard to navigate? If customers have trouble getting around, it can make their shopping experience less enjoyable.
You want your store to flow smoothly so they can easily find what they’re looking for and get excited about what they discover.
Take Advantage of Customer Feedback
Another great way to understand what works in your store is by simply asking your customers for feedback.
Don’t be afraid to have casual conversations with your regulars and get their thoughts on improving the store. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the people who visit your store the most.
They suggest small changes, like moving a display to a different location, or bigger ideas, like hosting more game nights or tournaments. Either way, customer feedback can give you a fresh perspective on how to improve your space.
Creating An Inviting Game Store Layout Design With Asmodee
Ultimately, the most important thing about your board game store is the sense of community you create. The layout, design, and atmosphere all play a part in this. When your store feels welcoming, fun, and interactive, people will want to come back to buy games and hang out, connect with others, and experience something special.
Find out what it's like working with Asmodee as a supplier here.
By making your store an inviting space with opportunities for play, socialising, and discovery, you’re setting the stage for long-term success. Your customers will see your store as more than just a shop; it’ll become a hub for the local gaming community.
Contact our friendly team if you’re interested in hosting in-store demonstrations or filling out a new account application. We look forward to working with you!
