The friendly local games store is a great place to buy new games and accessories, but it also much more than that. It is a place where you can build new friendships and get great advice and ideas that could lead you to your next awesome gaming experience.
Maybe you get your games through Amazon or a big box store like Target or Walmart. This could be because you have a limited budget, or there just isn’t an independent game store near you. I get it. But if you can afford to support a small, independent business, try to find one near you. Especially now, with the pandemic situation, they need your help to survive far more than Jeff Bezos or any of the large corporate stores.
With that in mind, we will be presenting spotlights on some small independent stores that we like! This means that they are all in Ontario, but they do also have online stores and can ship to you!
This series of blogs does not represent a ranked “Top” list, and the stores are presented in no particular order.

The story of The Dragon is an interesting one, and luckily you can get a synopsis of it on the store’s website. But short version: Jenn Haines is an amazing person who loves comics, games, the industry around them, and the people in them. She opened The Dragon over 20 years ago, and now has three locations providing excellent comics, games, and service to the people nearby. The biggest store is the Guelph location, in the Old Quebec Street mall, and that’s the only one I’ve been to, so that’s the one I’ll talk about. You can see the other locations on the website.

This store is bright, open, and colourful! There are comics, and graphic novels, collectibles, t-shirts, hats and games. Whatever your geeky fandom, you’re sure to find something for it here! And if you can’t, ask the friendly and helpful staff!

And it’s not just about providing people with a place to buy the cool stuff they want. Jenn is also active in the local community, working with local schools and their reading programs. She’s quite active in the comics community as well, supporting artists and creators, and always keeping up to date on what’s happening in the industry so she can best help her customers. And I guess people notice, because she’s won the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award and the CanGift Retailer of Distinction Award.

If you’re in the Guelph area, you NEED to visit this store! Also keep an eye on the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for fun events and happenings!