The Reality of owning a Game Store (1 Year Later) 

As running my own retro gaming shop for 14 years now in Europe, I can only say one thing: please continue making these videos. I'm absolutely drooling when I see how your shop looks and that's even without putting a foot inside in real life. Absolutely love your content!!!

The work you're doing is important. You aren't just the owner of a game store, because you've transformed it into much more than that. You are providing a way for people to relive the best parts of their childhood by selling the games and consoles that people grew up playing. The way that you've packed the store with tons of retro memorabilia instantly transports customers back in time and just puts the total experience over the top. Your store is incredible, and I hope to visit it someday. Love from Pennsylvania.

Rick, I drove in from Wichita, KS last week just to visit your store. If you look on the cameras and see some goofy 49 year old guy wandering around the store at like 8pm with his jaw on the floor that was me. I absolutely loved the store and it was well worth the drive. I will say the reason I watch your videos is for the trade-ins and the thrift store vlogging. I love seeing the pieces of my childhood that you guys come across. I wish I lived closer so that I could visit the store more frequently. Keep it up. i am super impressed and love to live vicariously through you on this journey!

I would love to see more of the business side of things like, profit and losses, how long inventory sits on shelves when something sells, overhead costs, etc. I know that's a bit invasive but it's fascinating from any business, let alone a business I really love and care about even though I'm on the other side of the country! Congrats Rick and keep it up!

I spent years chasing my dream job. At 38 I finally made it. I understand the stress you are under. Over the years my childhood video game collection had to be sold to put food on the table. Your videos are an awesome way to relive the nostalgia of my childhood and share it with my kids. What I was not aware of was just how many gaming conventions exist here in the states. My wife and I really enjoy seeing the convention videos simply because it’s not just a treasure hunt but it’s fun watching you inch ever closer to that full NES set. Slowly my collection has been making a return. Your videos inspired me to buy an old game boy, Pokémon blue and Zelda for my daughter. She is hooked. There is now a plan to make it out to Arkansas. Keep it up Rick. We need guys like you out there more than you realize.

The bottom line is that this business is more nostalgic for the owner than it is profitable. I can say that as someone that owned one of the most popular game stores on the east coast. It’s a great passion business but unless you live in a square state and don’t need to pay $16+ and hour for employees, gas ain’t $4-5 a gallon and normal expenses are slightly below “normal”, then this guy will have his money tied up in his “passion” for years to come.. there’s a reason guys like Kevin Smith own “comic book shops” for fun and nostalgia because at the end of the day they make a pittance in actual Profit and that’s what matters in business.

Honestly, it’s all interesting. I miss more of the old school hunts in the wild but now the stuff kind of comes directly to you so I get it. Getting to watch you figure things out is inspiring as it feels more real life. I think most of us just wish we had a true friend like Rick in our personal lives.

Every time I watch this channel, it's like getting to hang out at a kick-ass games store for a little while.

Love the content you guys put out! I was able to make a trip to see the store a little over a month ago from Minnesota, and it was surreal actually being inside. If I lived any closer, I'd never have any spare money, because I'd always be in there finding the next thing I need for my collection. You surround yourself with great people and the wholesomeness is palpable in the videos you guys make! Keep up the amazing work!

Congrats Rick and crew! It has been a blast following the store throughout the whole process here on RU-vid. I am glad you decided to make videos of the journey, and I hope you continue doing it! I wish you guys lots of success for the next year!

I wouldn't mind some more cameos from other prominent content creators and maybe a video about all the employees who have been there since day one, covering a bit about their gaming histories and how they ended up working there.

For me I consider myself a collector of sorts and I always find myself pausing your videos to screencap your arrangements and shelves. I always try to decorate my house like it's a museum and seeing your store gives off a museum vibe

It's definitely difficult in an industry where the value of items can fluctuate massively without any warning/build up. Also, glad to see you almost got the neon mcdonalds sign up!

It's so awesome to see how you were blessed to open a game store the way you actually envisioned in your heart! Thank you for sharing with us!! Happy and cheering for you and the team!!

I don’t play video games, collect toys, or even really care about video game culture - I enjoy your videos because they are a positive in nature and make me smile! I want to see you succeed! Keep going 😊

They saw after a year you can tell if a business will be profitable/successful down the line Gaming or card shops are imo just people “dreams”. But the reality, it’s not a “successful business” for the most part You doing RU-vid/social media is hands down the only way possible for a legit shop like this to be “successful” Wish you the best & hope you know you’re doing what so many dream of. Keep killing it brotha

im from argentine and now live in Barcelona , i love shops, search for something unique for you is special , a collect movies since my 5 years old , now im 42 and i still love this kind of stuff . Keep going . Amazing shop .

I love the nostalgia. I'd pay $20 just to wander the store for an hour and be immersed. I need those 3D layered retro art pieces too.

Retro Rick, its been amazing to see the growth of your business. Although time consuming, the dedication, persistence of keeping it going is awesome!! Keep enjoying the adventure! 👍🏻

Hey Rick! Thank you, truly, thank you. Your channel, content, and THE PEOPLE you surround yourself with a wonder to behold. Your commitment to the retro gaming/pop culture space is amazing and I hope to watch for years to come!

I never would have thought that a random algorithm RU-vid recommendation video of Rick buying a game store would change my life a year and a half ago and turn me into a retro collector. I give you a big thanks! And my wife would probably give you one of these 😑

it’s funny, I drove down from Milwaukee in June of last year and was blown away at the decor, the staff was awesome and real friendly, but I did notice the collection at that time not being as huge and robust as it’s become over these last few months. Not knocking it whatsoever, but I’m glad to see you continually building and shaping your business, thriving. Keep at it, I’ll be back soon!

Your brand is also money as well. Every time I watch a video of yours, that wall just pops and really helps establish your brand and gives it character. You have your finger on the pulse though with retro games and your passion shows through. Keep up the good work Rick and you will get past the growing pains in no time.

You take stress away from life and you guys make me remember my childhood.

I drove over from Oklahoma to come by and check out the store. It was amazing and I loved it. Thank you for having the store and for taking the time to make these videos. I know it's a sacrifice of both time and money. Thank you for everything you do!

Great work and it’s a lot of hard work. But will all due respect, please appreciate all the people off camera that help you stay in business. Much love ❤️. We love you Rick!

I absolutely love the game store videos. This channel has quickly become one of my favorite channels on yt.

I'm hooked, man! All the little new additions you place every now and then make me want to come back to your channel even more. Think about it; just because of that, you can stay comfy in your store and create good content. #NostalgiaRetention keep up !

Dude I feel like you guys could film anything with no idea in mind and I’d still want to watch I mean this channel has become a comfort channel. Doesn’t matter the specific topic so much, if you post I will watch 😂 wish I could come in and spend all my money. 16 hour drive from Maryland

I was in the store today, it was fun watching them create content while I was browsing. I’ve been in several times this month and left with some good stuff

I like watching your videos because I like to see how the experience it is like to run game store and see all the cool things that come through your game store

Loving the designs on the walls. As a business owner and boss, you give the people what they want before they even know they want it. :)

I tune in as just a viewer & not quite a collector yet...but it brings me actual joy just seeing all the nostalgia, games and really just genuine happiness

Seeing the progression from starting out at when I joined up which was like between 500-1000 followers has been absolutely amazing and astonishing. I own my own wine & liquor store so I completely understand the owning of a business aspect for sure. Keep up the good work my friend and don't ever lose that positivity. I do miss you hunting in the wild some times for toys probably the one thing I truly miss now that you probably just don't have the time.

I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video. I also really appreciated the way you made the video engaging and entertaining. You kept my attention throughout the entire video, and I never felt bored or lost. I would definitely recommend your video to anyone who is interested in learning more about the video.

The hidden finances that goes into owning a business the average customer NEVER even thinks about. Kudos for given us the behind the scenes 411 and running a top notch ship

I've been a follower for awhile now and want to say congratulations on the year anniversary. What I have enjoyed seeing the past year has been your transition as a businessman and your personal growth. I've noticed, alot lately, your kindness and generosity in recent videos. Just wanted to drop some positivity and say I'm proud of you and keep up the great content.

🎉 Congrats for hitting 1 year. Love this video and all the videos for both this channel and your OG channel. Every decision to upgrade the store has been spot on. I love the honest reflection and commentary about owning a store. I live all the way in Vancouver Canada and I can’t wait to travel down to see your store. You’re 100% spot on in making the store an experience of nostalgia while balancing it with gaming, cards and toys. Retro Rick’s is a brand and your energy and approach to gaming is what makes your content so successful. Also adding a strong team around you is huge and the family atmosphere make it family friendly. My favourite addition was the huge mural in the front with the branding of retro Rick’s. secondly would be the middle zone as it makes the store seem more Alive. Adding Pokémon cards is huge as well. Overall, highlighting the 90’s is the perfect niche which is why retro ricks will become a destination for years to come. My only suggestion is maybe to make a video of building up game collections via trades and then auctioning them off or having them as part of a prize package. Much like what you did in your original channel as it was tons of fun to see it build up from very little money. Anyways keep up the great work !

We all love you Rick! Wish you and your family the best success! The entire journey is so incredibly amazing.

I love the number talk. More of that would be interesting. Great entertaining videos.

Congratulations Rick. I like your passion for video gaming & the nostalgia of it. I tune in because it’s so exciting to see your finds & talking about it.

Congrats Rick! The store is epic. So many rad signs and banners etc that you've acquired. What's next for the store? Maybe one day changing the carpet to an arcade style carpet that glows in the dark? Maybe having a NES/SNES etc gaming tournament? Not that there's room to do that.

It’s crazy, I think i first subbed to this channel very shortly after you first bought the store. It’s wild to think it’s already been a year. But from an outside perspective you guys have done an excellent job building up the shop and the channel. Your right hand man is a very good employee too. Make sure you take good care of him. Have a great year 2 guys.

Congrats on the 1 year anniversary of owning the store. Been loving the videos and all the changes you've made makes me hope I'm able to get there someday

I’m not a big gamer, but I watch for the nostalgia of 90s and early 2000s. The store is also a museum. I do like the business and entrepreneurial side. Rick and others also have fun and good attitudes.

I’d love to see more of the business side of things in the future. Love the content though. So cool to watch someone follow their passion and build a business. Keep on keepin on.

I love watching every RU-vid episode! I used to work at children’s palace back in 1988 and the day before Christmas I bought the last Nintendo they had in stock took it home with a Zelda game and my dad was addicted. He even drew his own maps for the game. I share your awesome show to my daughters who one of them was transferred to Arkansas for work, not to far from you. I plan on visiting my 34 y/o soon but I mainly want to visit your store! I may be an old hag but I want to start collecting consoles. I miss playing video games. I just wish I collected them from when I used to work at children’s palace, Kay Bee toys & hyper mart (Walmart super center) toy department. When I worked at hyper mart that was when teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles came out. Another thing I should have collected 🤦‍♀️

There's a bit of psychology involved in displaying product in a retail store. Having worked in grocery, it's the same thing with overstocking less popular items: if a product is flowing off the shelf, no one will buy it. Working back stock, I would often put more items in back stock to make the shelf look more empty just to try and move it. So having a max of 3 items on the shelf is smart retailing.

Idea: Show us viewers how to: 1. Spot fake games. 2. Inspect games to see whether or not their fake (how to open them safely, etc.). Congratulations on a full year. May the Lord bless you with many more!

i have been following you since May 2020 because i love to see old things and also born the 1990s(1991)

Congrats on the anniversary, Rick! Who cares if you didn't actually START the store, what you've done for it SINCE essentially taking it over is nothing less than awesome and impressive. You should be proud! You're basically getting to live one of my greatest childhood dreams. I won't lie, more than once in my life I've thought about packing up and moving to a big city and opening my own game shop. Video games are such a huge passion in my life, and I'm so glad retro gaming especially has been sky rocketing in popularity. Especially for collecting. Half if not most of the fun of my own journey through the gaming life is hunting for the retro stuff I loved as a 90's kid like you guys are on youtube. Thanks, Rick. Guys like you and Riff keep inspiring me to keep on going, both with life and collecting and more importantly and above all else, to follow passions. It really makes life fulfilling and worthwhile.

Shop looks great!!! Keep it up guys!!! I'm a firm believer in the message from the great movie Field of Dreams... "Build it, and they will come".

Dude! I remember going in this store all the time when my ex and I would visit her parents in Conway. It was usually like a few times a year throughout 2012 to 2017. So cool to see it again! I hope nothing but the best for you brother. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Retro "Risky" Rick strikes again! Him and his crew. Congrats and thank you!

I think I tune in because I love to see exactly what does come out of that mind of urs Rick! I feel like I really can relate to ur style and the type of stuff u put out so I'm always excited to see what new piece ur buying for the store or what new display u are putting up next. I've been around since before the store, and I must say it has just come as a natural added pathway along the Retro Rick journey. There was never a moment where I had to debate if I wanted to watch the game store content it was always just oh, this is what Rick is up to? Okay, cool, I'm gonna subscribe and add it to my daily content. I must say that I rarely scroll past a new Retro Rick video regardless if it's game store or not simply because I enjoy u! U are the reason I'm here and why I keep coming back! U are just an all-around entertaining person to watch, and like I said, getting a peek into ur mind is like a super fun game in and of itself! Lol, ok, I just had to answer that question. Thanks for bringing us along, I would pretty much go on any journey Retro Rick was willing to allow me to tag along for, and that's all there is to it! Just trust ur gut Rick cuz ur passions and desires are what all of us little guys out here love to live through and be a part of because many of us share the same ones. Your nostalgia and memories are very much linked with many of ours allowing for some universal enjoyment to be had, and I'm forever grateful to u for that! Thanks for all the content and the hard work u and Riff and Michael and everybody put into the Retro Rick machine!! I'm a subscriber for life, and I'm here for the long haul!! Congrats on one year! U deserve all the success and happiness in the world!! ✌️💜✌️💜

i love watching your videos because i wish i was able to actually walk through those doors myself and see it in person . so keep those videos coming !

I personally tune in to watch the journey and stories of trades but most of all I truly enjoy the personal relationship that you develop with people who have the same passion of all things retro. As a game collector I never truly understood what it felt like hunting for your passion until i started watching your channel.

I'd love to visit your shop! I've worked in a lot of shops and what you really do super well is making the visit a unique experience for your customers. That is (and of course you and your employees) the most important thing to make sure that customers will come back. I live far away but I really would love to see the store with my own eyes. Keep up the good work!

I'm not really into retro gaming so to speak but this is just a really positive vibes channel which I appreciate, and l will always support people who work hard and accomplish their goals! Much respect.

Great video, guys. Talk about the business more, specifically some details about the numbers. If you don't want to divulge such details for competition reasons I totally understand. I hope you guys do great.

I enjoy the numbers and daily sales side of the store. Behind the curtain of a retro business seems entertaining. You seem to have a good heart and enjoy watching your journey Rick! Hang in there

As someone who’s just now getting into collecting vintage everything, & just now seeing your channel. ID LOVE to see what every day people buy… Wii remotes, old PlayStations. Those purchases show us (me) how the market is doing, what others are interested in and what might be out there that I’m unaware of that others know

I've been watching your videos and yes, many times i have said, "He's overpaying for this," or, "he has too much inventory now, he needs to slow down." But, hope it sitll works out and you're learning how to run the business and making some very cool content

i love seeing the business aspect and the numbers of what’s it actually like owning a store as i know it’s also many peoples dream too. I also love just seeing the current state of the market what’s hot and not to help with hunting myself. As well as seeing things i never even knew existed

I'm so glad Rick discussed YT, Family main job etc. it's so hard I see my hubby balance it all❤

i hope you never stop making videos. been a fan since before the 10 dollar game collection. I hope to see the store in person someday.

really enjoy this content! My favorite part is how nostalgic it is. Great characters and fun talking points. rarely disappoints.

Definitely love BOTH channels!! They are different yet cohesive!

You’re a big inspiration man. Keep doing what you’re doing. I’ve been watching for a long time. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

I love seeing what come in the store and the wacky interactions of Rick and the employees.

I found your channel when RGT sold his stuff to Phoenix resale (not subscribed to his channel )and some random vid popped of him and your new store. Instantly followed. I was born in 85 and all of your vids hit that nostalgia button. I live in Fort Worth and plan on making a visit with my wife and baby. I would recommend going old school and having those old blockbuster gaming tournaments on consoles. Have people pay entry fees and would be great content. Keep it up guys. Love the channel

What else to be where you want to be? Your inventory is crazy, you have almost every gaming system out there. Store looks awesome

I’m living vicariously through you because ur living my dream so keep posting

It's been amazing to be with you on this journey! Here is to year two!

I have really enjoyed the business aspect of these videos. Hearing your thoughts on what to change and why, stories about the day to day, that video where you are planning what to do with the storage units; I really enjoy learning something new :)

Bro I've been watching since you were just a dude hustling goodwill's trying to fill out one wall in your basement with retro stuff. Your passion for that 90's childhood golden era is everything!

I wish we had a store simular to yours over here in the UK. I started watching your content in 2023, keep the vids coming, i'm absolutely loving them!

I hit my 1-year of being open on the 13th. It's been eye opening to how much is involved, but it's been great! Everyone asks me what it's like owning a game store and I always have the same response..."I've never been more stressed, but it's my stress and I love it!" GGs and GL going forward!

I'm interested in seeing more numbers, sales, and profit data. Love that kind of stuff. Congrats on 1 year!

A brick and mortar business seems like a lot of stress. I kind of like working on online side gigs in my own time because if it gets too much, I can just leave it. Hopefully when you set it up more you can get some more time for yourself and your family.

After watching this, I jumped back to see day 1... You've put so much work in that store! While I don't think I'll ever get down to that area, I do enjoy the videos! Keep up the great work! (and if I do find myself down there, I'll totally pop in!)

glad to have watched the journey start all the way back when the $10 gaming collection started (and even before that!). congrats on all of the success.

I miss living 1 minute away from this store. I spent so long trying to move away from Central Arkansas that I didn't realize it was a pretty good spot for retro game hunting.

On the topic of what I'd like to see more on the channel my favorite are game recommendations and brief expectations of them and why they're great. Not like "this is rare" or "highly collectable", but the actual experience of playing the game is fun and ideally lesser heard of titles so I can find new things to try

You're doing us 90s kids all a great service. The nostalgia brings back positive vibes IDC who you are. Everybody brings back good memories from this stuff and you guys make it dare I say better because all the retro stuff has aged like a fine wine. The appreciation for the old school games and the toys too is at an all time high in my opinion. Definitely would love to see more of the business aspect with pricing and sales but I also think that seeing your personal collection and getting updates on that would be great. Please keep doing what you're doing. I consider you a hero because of what some of us are dealing with in life, this channel provides a serene and much needed nostalgic escape from the big world.

Your just so captivating, and I love your eye candy through out your store

I have been watching you since the $10 collection and I enjoy all your videos I love seeing you find hard to find items keep doing good things out here

I found this channel right as you bought the store and it has been a blast to watch it and your channel grow. I can't wait to someday make it to the store and buy something awesome!

Dang 1.3 years....feels like just recently you bought the store. Time fly's

I don't know how you do it Rick! There's just not enough time in the day and you got a lot going on! Your brain must be continuously buzzing. I work my day job, renovate on weekends while trying to make raising my new son top priority and struggle to find time for hobbies and theres plenty of other things i should be finding time for too. At least when I need to I have the luxury to take the weekend off to recoup. I can't imagine the extra stress of having employees and game store bills to pay. I hope you've found a good way to unload mentally and switch off when you need whether it be keeping family and friends up to date with how your going or keeping a last thoughts of the day journal so you can switch off when you do get home to the family. Love the content from both your channels. I find enough time here and there to watch those 😅

I really hope your community is supporting you because me and my family would love to have something like this in town, if! U have the space and capital you should open a arcade in the corner room or something gaming related so people can hangout play buy trade ect

it's so fun being along for the ride Rick!

I can't speak to what Iike video wise. But I will say seeing this journey sense I found your first video on your original channel has been great. I would say for sure keep doing these videos about what's coming into the store because social and online media is a big part of growing something for sure and this is something you really don't have to pay someone for. I would say the trade-in videos maybe have those as shorts just easier to make. And either updates or just stuff in general that you either pieces that you have, favorite games that you haven't seen for years, stuff along thoss lines would be great in longer forms.

Its nice to see this happen. I live in Canada and people here HATE everything independent. Its just Costco Wal mart and Starbucks here. Small shops have tried to do things but they just get ran out of town or people just cry that they wont sell at a loss because they saw something sell cheap online.

just a suggestion: you could paint the wood holding the McDonald's sign red to match the normal sign you see. Or paint it white to match the wall/its just wood so no harm done.

Love watching the journey!! It's really impressive! keep up the good work!

Love the transparency. Wishing you the best in your business!

What a great packaging concept!

I've been a casual watcher since you opened the store. I guess I like seeing you find old rare merchandise stuff. As well see if your store succeeds. If it was just the same old games I probably would drop out.

Long time viewer here (Started when you were doing the $10 game collection, and that was why I sarted selling on EBay!) I would love to see a top 10 games for each console that you have in stock or have sold in the store. Maybe a series for each console (NES, SNES, Master system etc). I'm from Australia and love the content you show! Congratulations on the achievement and happy thoughts going out for the next years.