Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Kirschbaum.
Andy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In some ways we started our business in February of 2016 but we’ve been around, in one form or another, since 1991. We’re a family business that’s been in the same location for over 20 years. My parents and I started the business together just after I got laid off from a high tech role. That was the end of my career as a technical writer and the beginning of what was to become a long and (mostly) rewarding life as a small-business owner.
There were many ups and downs along the way, through good economies and bad. The traditional (that is, not video or electronic) game industry has changed again and again, sometimes coming near collapse and re-forming, other times riding high on a few very popular items. We’ve seen dozens of game stores start up and close down along the way. Selling board games is a rough business and it’s not making very many people rich.
We’ve been selling games – card games, board games, and role-playing games for a long time, but last year we needed to reinvent ourselves, as a store, as a business, and as a community. We renovated our store and added spacious, comfortable gaming space, purpose-built tables, a collection of over 600 games and a welcoming and knowledgeable crew.
Where I am today is a vibrant and growing community of people who like to play games in a relaxed and friendly space. We teach and we play and we laugh a lot and sometimes we stay pretty late. We’ve had people come in first thing in the morning and play games all day and all night, stepping out for lunch and dinner. We’ve had people come start a game at 9pm. It’s all pretty cool.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest setback we ever faced was the loss of my father two years ago. He was the heart of our store, a great partner and friend. I miss him every day. But that wasn’t the only struggle. The current business environment was simply killing us. We couldn’t compete with online discounters, walk-in customers were down and our core customers were drifting away. So we decided to capitalize on what we have that the onliners don’t: real space in the real world. 3 Trolls Games & Puzzles isn’t just a place to buy games; it’s a place to play games and learn new games and meet new people.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 3 Trolls Games & Puzzles – what should we know?
We sell traditional games and puzzles, from chess to Catan, Dungeons & Dragons, Dominion, Diplomacy, Magic: the Gathering and other collectible card games, classic games, new games, jigsaw puzzles, models, and hobby supplies. We love to talk about games and to help customers find just the right game. It can be confusing if you’re not some kind of board game expert. We are board game experts and we’re always here to help.
Our game parlor is a great space to play games, hold small events, or just hang out. We provide a comfortable, purpose-built space for your gaming pleasure. It’s low-key, comfortable, and casual. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and available. The community that is growing here is great; diverse, welcoming, all-ages and supportive. Creating a safe and fun environment is our number one priority.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My first instinct is to say that it’s my knowledge of games and how to make sure each customer gets the one that’s best for them and their needs, but with enough effort, anyone can accumulate knowledge. My second thought was to say that being friendly and welcoming to everyone is most important. But on consideration, I think it’s most likely my sheer stubborn refusal to quit that has been most important to the store’s survival and success.
Pricing:
- • $5.00 gets you all-day access to the parlor and our 600+ and growing library of games
- • $25.00 for a monthly pass
- • Games and puzzles in general range from $9.99 to $99.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 3 Trolls Games & Puzzles
7 Summer Street #16
Chelmsford, MA 01824 - Website: www.3trolls.com
- Phone: 978-250-0566
- Email: andy@3trolls.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3-Trolls-Games-Puzzles-89349038688/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/3trolls
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/3-trolls-games-and-puzzles-chelmsford
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