In recent years, comic books, graphic novels, superhero movies, and other aspects of “nerd” and “geek” culture have become mainstream and extremely popular. Just think about the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the impact that it has had on the comic book industry, for better and for worse.
While major media corporations have had colossal success turning comic book stories into movies and TV shows, much of this success has been with big brands or online spaces. So, if you’re considering opening a comic book shop in 2023, you have many things to consider.
Comic book shops are community centers for people wishing to find others who share their interests, and they are also a great space to discover and read new comics. However, while these stores have a lot of value to communities, owning and operating a retail store is more difficult now than even ten years ago.
So, let’s go over whether it’s worth it to open a small business in the form of a comic book shop.
Why Is Retail So Difficult In 2023?
Starting a small business is never an easy thing. However, smaller, in-store shops used to have better chances of success. It’s no secret that so much shopping happens online. It’s convenient and easy. Even bigger chains, like Barnes & Noble, have had to compete with fully online spaces like Amazon.
Then, things got even more challenging after the COVID-19 pandemic. This worldwide situation further prompted people to shop online, and this forced many smaller storefronts to close.
So, while it’s not impossible to open a comic book store in 2023, it’s important to note the difficulties and decide if it’s a savvy route for you.
Storefront Vs. ECommerce Shop
Starting any new business has its challenges to overcome. It can take a few years for the business to see any profit, and many small businesses do not even succeed. So, you must determine if it’s worth creating a storefront or if having only an online store makes more sense.
While there’s no one correct answer here, you’ll need to evaluate the demand for a comic book-style store in your city. If there is some demand, you may be able to overcome the inherent challenges of opening a storefront in 2023. You can also up your chances of success by offering something unique or reaching a broader audience. For example, many stores offer a mix of comic books, merchandise, and tabletop gaming.
Combining a few different stores into one is a great way to reach more potential customers, leading to a stronger business. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of a brick-and-mortar store in 2023.
Ensure It’s A Sensible Financial Risk
Setting up a new business, especially a store, is always a risk financially. Often, most small businesses don’t see a profit for a few years, so you need to determine if this is a financial possibility. Many small business owners take out loans to get the business started, but you will need to pay these back.
So, be very shred when going over your finances. If you don’t have savings or another way to cover your basic needs while you get the business going, it’s likely not a good time to start a comic book store or any other company.
Final Thoughts On Opening A Comics Store
For many people, the bottom line is that a comic book store may not be the most lucrative business venture. However, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Some of these stores will do well, but it’s essential to research and make wise financial decisions.
