Board Game Paradise- Redlands, CA

Redlands, California- Board Game Paradise is a store that models the heart of "A gamer who designs his own store."

I have never quite felt the heart, love, and joy of board games quite like this before. Richard Matney, the store owner, has done what few stores are able to do- make me feel like I am back to being a kid in a toy store. The layout of the store is extremely spacious and the walls of board games make you feel like you are in a massive book store searching for a hidden gem. I think the reason why Richard is so successful in this is because he seemingly strategically laid out the store to be family oriented and specifically sectioned off to minimize traffic. While I was walking around, I saw Richard and other employees talking to guests (I use that word because I think that the store brings about a sense of experience rather than just shopping) and asking about their game preferences and recommending new games or accessories to their favorites. 10/10 service.

The signage is fun with scrabble letters outlining sections of the store, the lighting is bright and the colors of the games pop off the shelves. One unique aspect of the store I want to briefly mention is that Richard has chess sets, clocks and other accessories in an attempt to grow a small Sunday chess in the park club that is right outside the store in the town center. I love this because it is his way of being more than a store, it is being a boon to your community.

One of the best ways a store can help a game sell itself is setting up demos. BGP utilizes 3-D games right at the window to lure window shoppers walking by. I love this idea and I love the bright colors used to really steal as much attention as possible. Another unique aspect of the store I wan to briefly mention is the lettering you see above the window. DisConnect from the screens and ReConnect with one another. This really stood out to me because I also know that Richard runs the facebook group 'Families for Game Night' that really emphasizes reconnecting with each other over games. I have been continually encouraged to see each post and look forward to each heartwarming picture of grateful parents finding a game that specifically fits their family.

I think the thing I am most impressed with is the space to PLAY games at Board Game Paradise. You can reserve private rooms with impressive tables or join the community spaces often filled with TCGs and RPGs. The game library is far beyond what it has to be and the snacks and drinks are upstairs in the game rooms so that you do not have to travel far in a pinch. The most important thing is that these rooms are all sectioned off from the storefront and you could be in a room for hours without customers walking around you or bumping into your table.

Conclusion/Grading

1. Selection (A)- Board Game Paradise has a very solid selection and offers a wide variety of games and niche classics that will appeal to every guest that walks in. While other stores offer more in TCGs and accessories, BGP does a great job of selling its idea that they have everything you and your family need to have a fun night together.

2. Layout (S)- Board Game Paradise is the best laid out store I have seen. The game library has more games than most collectors do, the game rooms have plenty of tables and privacy to game, the demo tables are right at the front showcasing tactile games, and the games are displayed in a way that resembles the first time I went into Barnes and Noble as a kid and saw the amazing kid's section that had toys, games, and all of my favorite characters on the walls. BGP really went above and beyond. Additionally, the 'speak easy' gaming areas are so wonderfully separate and stocked with goods that I could spend all day just playing game after game feeling like I am just playing at home.

3. Location (S)- Board Game Paradise is in the heart of the town, so much so that the town square is next door. Having so many restaurants next door and other destination shops around you makes the foot traffic and parking so easy! I saw close to a dozen people stroll into the store within ten minutes just because they were walking back to the car. THIS is the best place for a board game store. My only suggestion is that, when finances and time permits, BGP should continue to buy more space and grow its offerings.

Finally, as a note of encouragement, I overheard Richard talking about his prayer life and finding how God has given him a feeling that 2023 will be the year of adventure for him. I can not respect that enough and he has me personally praying for adventure to come his way. This is the first store I have given two "S" ratings and there is great reason for it. I know that if Richard keeps growing responsibly, he will be the destination store of the town. I know I will be driving from LA from now on just to visit and support.