I'm sure you guys have already read my previous ponderings about a video game convention, but that's not the only ambition I have: right now I'm prepping to apply for a loan to start up an anime shop here in Columbus. I want the primary focus to be on anime and manga itself, but I also want video games, figures, and related snacks (Y'know... Pocky and Bawlz) to be in my arsenal of awesome. I'm also looking into having events every Saturday night, like screenings and game tourneys and the like.

There's a couple of reasons I'm posting this here. One is to build interest for the sake of saying that there's interest in the project in my business plan... if you're interested, of course. Confused yet? No? Then I haven't done my job properly.

Anyway, the second reason is, obviously, to get you guys' opinions on this kinda stuff - for one thing, I've read that lately, anime sales are down and was curious to know if it's even a good idea right now, though I personally predict that once all these Naruto brats (<3 you guys) gain purchasing power and start branching out their interests, those numbers are gonna go up. I'm also, of course, wondering what you guys'd like to see and where you think the best place to put a shop like this would be (Though some places are going to be out of the question... things like competition, pricing, and how close it is to me should be taken into account.)

It's a big undertaking and an ambitious project, I know, but the way I see it it's either jump out of the nest or suffer a lifetime of suck at Wal-Mart, and I of course think a business like this could succeed, especially here in Columbus where all the competition is limited to Best Buy and Barnes & Noble, who're kinda limited in their stock. I just hope the banks see things my way... but we'll see.

Don't forget about Anime Palace in Polaris.

How much for wall scrolls?

So your business plan hinges on people actually buying anime? Good luck.

Well, the problem those Naruto brats are learning how to download. :/

I guess the only thing I'd say is you're not in a good times, and will be off to a rough start. Bad economics times have shut down everything but four bookstore in my parts, half of what it use to be, and while small towns differ from big town, I'd assume a speciality bookstore(which is kind of what you're talking about) would have it pretty hard.

But if it's what you want to, good luck with it. ^_^

My only other tip is offer pokemon merchandise, because not being able to buy it anymore burns. Even if I never visit...well, you never know. :P

With the large intergration of anime and japanese culture being integrated into stores like FYE and Hot Topic, and Book stores turning out more Manga all the time, this would be tough to keep going. Especially with the usage levels of BitTorrent and such things. I know I download more anime than I buy. I usually only buy something if I really like it.

It would be awesome though, I'm just not sure if it would take off or not.

Ugh... don't ask me how, but I forgot about all the downloading. Mind you, I don't get discouraged easily (Which sometimes can make me a total asshole), and this just means I've gotta think up something better. But still nerd-culture-oriented.

Back to the drawing board...