That’s what retailers tend not to be doing.
Most gamers don’t realise how tiny the real world margins are for game stores, so the breakdown this chap from Black Diamond Games in the US has kindly shared is really helpful in explaining a bit of what goes on behind the scenes.
Thought you might be interested 🙂
Quirkworthy 
If BDG can only get 7%, their location is not good enough. They are not selling enough to make more profit. But if their location is better, the rent would be higher, eventually also other costs. 😦
I think (FL)GS without having an online shop are outdated and not every FLGS can have an online shop. Having only an online shop would be even better. This does not mean I like it, I would prefer a FLGS for my hobby in every town. Internet cannot give the same support and same social contact as a FLGS.
Just a sign of the times.
I think that inventing a pleasant way to monetize gaming space and events would be the key for success. Of course if traditional games don’t have enough customer base, it starts to become a lose-lose situation.
As with the rest of the ailing retail sector, bricks and mortar game stores have to find something to offer that can offset cheaper prices online. There are number of options, but they have to find something.
An awful lot of LGSs are propped up by Magic and/or Yu-gi-oh events. Those are the easy money events. X-Wing has, I think, done a similar thing. Especially as you can just buy the models at the event, and put them straight on the tables. And the store doesn’t need to provide scenery for that either.
Running events was a good money spinner for Maelstrom, back in t’day. Between having capacity for 160 players, dedicated gaming tables and plenty of scenery (and a staffer who could make more fast, cheap *and* quality), and an in-house bar, kitchen and event manager, and running events pretty much each weekend of the year, it was good money. But, that’s a scale you’ve got to spend time and money building up to…
Yup. Plus I suspect there’s limit to the number of venues of that size that the gaming community needs. As I said, it’s a tricky time for retail as a whole, and this challenge for your FLGS is just a part of it.
I frequent Black Dragon Miniatures in Hinckley, that’s been open a year now. Frequent tournaments (most weekends), snacks and drinks for sale, breakfast and lunch can be pre-ordered for tournament days (they get these from a local takeaway so it’s a small margin but no hassle for food prep themselves).
Discounts are offered for the game being played on tournament days, so supporting the gaming community and encouraging them back and to spend.
They seem to be getting on quite well.