Of the several gaming/hobby/comic book stores located within Tyler, TX, -all of which I've shopped and taken multiple opportunities to engage staff and owners alike- 'Ground Zero Comics' is my most preferred by far for several practical reasons, as well as reasons that I feel make an establishment stand out above and beyond the competition.
I've always enjoyed reading, playing video games, and collecting, but it wasn't until the past several months that I decided to take an interest in tabletop gaming and collectable card based games. If anyone remembers, or is currently experiencing what that's like, you know it's close to that feeling you get when starting a new job, or walking into a new classroom of a new school in a new town. A first purchase alone is a stab in the dark, even if you've done your best to research what lies ahead, and any help from sellers is information that is always greatly appreciated. Although it has been my experience that all of the local shops have given sound advice when it comes to purchasing product, I have found that the advice given from the staff at 'Ground Zero Comics' has been the most versed and open ended in my interests as a beginner.
It's common practice in town for shops to host events, tournaments, pre-releases, and other special groups, but 'Ground Zero Comics' does all of this superbly, and in superior fashion, without a doubt. If it isn't for the open space atmosphere that accommodates large crowds with ease, it's the well organized structure of events posts made online, followed through by hand made in-store digital bulletins/events boards, and support by dedicated judges and leaders for such events. As a beginner, this combination of customer services reflects the kind of dedication I enjoy and appreciate, and has directly contributed to making my transition from being new, to being comfortable and confident.
If you aren't a gamer, but love comics and collectibles, again, of all the stores I've visited in Tyler, 'Ground Zero Comics' excels. Their location provides a large amount of space that houses and displays product in a pristine and appealing manner. Everything is placed so that customers may shop with ease, whether they're coming in knowing exactly what they want, or just browsing. In the time I've spent there, I keep seeing new merchandise that impresses me, be it busts, figurines, special editions of graphic novels, comics, etc. Nowhere else in town, is there such evidence of meticulous organization of such a wide range in items. It really is quite impressive on the eyes, which also makes it a joy to shop.
But when it comes down to the real nitty gritty for me, it's all about customer service. 'Ground Zero Comics' has me won as a loyal customer, hands down, without a single hesitation in thought. That isn't to say that I haven't been pleased in the other local shops in this regard, because I have been indeed. However, at GZC, I have been given a level of respect, and appreciation that I haven't felt anywhere else, all basic expected professional niceties aside. Each individual employee has made a continuous conscious effort to engage me in conversation at each encounter, and not even just to speak about product. They genuinely care about what I like, the things I enjoy about gaming, and are always happy to chat about anything at all. That means so much more to me than product knowledge, which they have down in spades, because I'm going to buy what I want, when I want, no matter what, after all. It means I get to feel great about contributing to a business that has a heart. And 'Ground Zero Comics' has a huge heart, run by a family of five great people, two parents, their three children, and one of the nicest guys I've met, who work seven days a week to bring Tyler, TX, the comic book shop it deserves.
-Scott Buchanan read more
