Another two, actually. Comic book stores that is. The biggest has to be Starbase 21 in Tulsa which is closing its doors New Year's Eve after nearly three decades in business.
In Edmond, there was much less attention paid to A.I. Comics shutting down. I just happened to drive by the shop on 2nd street as people were cleaning out the small space. There was a short mention on the company's Facebook page, but that was it.
The two businesses were very different with Starbase 21 having made itself an establishment in the area while A.I. had only been around a relatively short time.
Running a comic book store certainly can't be easy. First off, you have a limited type of customer: someone who digs comics. Secondly, the only way to really increase traffic in your store is by word of mouth. Even in a world of social media, that can't be easy.
For Starbase 21 it was likely a little different as it had already established itself in the area. According to the report from Channel 2 in Tulsa, the closing was the result of "an aging owner and declining sales".
It also doesn't help that the stores are located in Oklahoma which doesn't put much emphasis on the geek culture. But, as I said in previous posts, I believe that attitude is changing with the recent increases in movies and television shows based on graphic novels and comic books.
In the end these are ultimately small businesses which are constantly struggling whether they sell comic books or quilting supplies.
It is up to those of us who are passionate about the products to help the companies succeed.
So let me take this moment to urge everyone to visit my favorite places: All-Star Comics on North May and Empire Strikes on N.W. 23rd.
To all the comic and geek culture stores out there, I wish you all the best of luck.
May you live long and prosper!
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