This is one of the biggest and most comprehensive hobby shops I have been to in a long, long time. These don't exist anymore in NYC, having gone extinct by lack of interest and internet commerce. Supplying many of these hobbies have been relegated to a few shelves in big-box craft shops like Michaels and Hobby Lobby in the US. Once I found Imperial Hobbies on Yelp during our vacation and it was near our hotel, I made my plans. I dropped my wife off for her spa day and this was going to be my spa day ;) The store is in a group of buildings almost at the end of the runway of Vancouver Airport (YVR). If you hang around, you'll see tons of airliners approaching for landings and roaring off on take offs. I just couldn't believe the selection of plastic models of planes, armor, cars and trucks along with complete selections of paint and finishing materials. It's these types of stores that I would spend hours in as a boy, but could only stare wide-eyed because I never had much money back then. But now as an adult with a job and disposable income, I probably would have gone broke if I didn't have to pack everything into my luggage to fly home. The favorable CAD$ to USD$ exchange rate also helped a lot in my shopping. I ended up with a couple of scale plastic model kits and a flying model rocket that are rare, out of production kits or very hard to find, even on-line. read more

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This is absolute heaven IF you're into say tabletop gaming and military modeling , as I highly doubt there's anywhere else in the Lower Mainland that rivals their collection . However if you're more interested in say action figures or Star Wars collecting then disappointed you will be as what's on offer does seem more like an afterthought . Also their prices are quite a bit more than 'em chains , but tbh I'm just happy that brick and mortar stores like this still exists as they're a slowly dying breed . read more

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Three stars overall: four stars as a hobby store, but only two stars if graded as a comic book store. Models trains, planes, ships and cars seem to be their bread and butter as they have several aisles devoted to models, paints and modeling supplies. A quick glance revealed many cool model planes from bygone eras (i.e. WWI). But, if you are looking for more modern stuff, fear not. They also had Gundam and RC models. They also have games for sale. But, I have no interest in that stuff, so no comment. I came here to look for comics, and I was a bit disappointed. On the shelf, (left wall) they display their current/recent titles. However, they often only had one copy of each title, and some specific titles were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps I came at a bad time, and all the comics had been bought up already. Or, they simply don't order much to begin with. If you go to Golden Age Collectibles, for example, they will often have 20+ copies of each comic. I will go back again to see if this was an anomaly, but it seemed odd that almost every title only had a few available. I didn't have a lot of time to peruse back issues, but based on what I saw, they don't seem to have as extensive selection as purely comic book stores. Parking is adequate out front, but the McDonald's next door has a huge parking lot in case space is unavailable. During my entire stay, not one staff greeted me or asked if I needed help. Prices were okay, but a quick search online when I got home revealed that items could be ordered cheaper, even factoring shipping. But, I prefer looking at the item before buying, and not having to wait for delivery. They have their fingers in many pots, but it might be time to shore up their comic book section. read more

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Great selection and variety. Staff was friendly. Unfortunately for older or not so common products you're paying eBay prices.

I was there for their boxing day sale. What they did that was good and exceptional - THey gave free donuts out before their the doors opened. THey gave a card with every purchase for 10% off in January. They had Pylons out to mark where they wanted everyone to line up. They were well organized. THanks. read more

This store has impressive range of comics, boardgames, miniatures, model sets and RPGs. This store does not just have the expected eg D&D and Pathfinder. And also has a limited range of Science eduction RPGs no Eclipse Phase but did have Traveller The staff were helpful and not annoying. Driving is easier as it's about 49 min walk from Nearest sky train read more

My go-to place for buying board games and models for when I'm in Richmond and one of my top 5 places in the Lower Mainland. My only criticism is that I wish their website could differentiate what they actually have in-stock versus what they can try and order for you. read more

When I'm in the mood for scale model making I get my geek on and shop here. There are a few other places but located in Vancouver and this place has convenient parking. My other favourite place is near my home in Champlain height. But this place is new and bigger and has a bigger selection. They have RC models, board games, role playing games and of course models of cars, tanks, planes and even built models. And if you're a scifi fan they have a range of models from your favourite movies and shows. Even Gundam stuff!! Plus a whole range of paints and accessories. So if you want to shed yourself if your hipstermatics and be a true blue Sheldon, then Bazinga! You gotta come here! GYGO! ( get your geek on) and SYOY! Frequent shoppers can get discounts. read more

Probably the best stocked hobby shop in Greater Vancouver. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. All kinds of items you would not find elsewhere. Worth the trip! read more

My favourite hobby store in the lower mainland. I am really into board games and miniatures and this large store has a great amount of stock and are often willing to order things for you if they can get it. They carry model kits. They carry comics, manga and some fanboy/girl stuff. Do you need some D20? Boom! They got it. Do you need mini foliage to construct a scenario for you miniature re-enactment of the battle of Hastings? Boom! They got it! How about an action figure of Thanos! Snap! They got that too! Employees are helpful and will engage with you without the sarcasm of Comic Book Store Guy on the Simpsons. Folks here are seriously nice and knowledgeable and into the hobbies. Oh yeah, they got comics too for those who like comics. I do. They got current issues and trades. The location is not as accessible as their old location on No. 3 Road but this location is way larger and better organized. Check it out! read more

Been getting into tabletop gaming over the past two years, and visited other shops in Richmond and Vancouver. I've bought boardgames, and from this perspective, Imperial Hobbies has the widest selection, and is definitely the largest store. read more