Anyone still going to the GameStop at 18th Ave? Thoughts on the vibe.

gamestop18th avelocal businessgaming retail

Registration:
25.02.2021
Messages: 773

Elena_V Topic author

11.02.2025 09:37

I was passing by the GameStop on 18th Avenue today and it looked pretty quiet. I remember when this place used to be packed, especially around holiday sales. Has anyone noticed a huge drop in foot traffic lately, or is it just me? I'm curious if the local community still uses it for pre-owned games or if people are migrating to online retailers entirely. It feels like a major change from how these local brick-and-mortar stores used to operate.

18 Answers

26.11.2023
Posts: 418

RetroGamer

23.02.2025 12:42

It's definitely quieter. I think the whole industry has shifted online. Nothing beats Amazon for convenience now.

03.03.2023
Posts: 326

AtariRetro

18.03.2025 01:43

Totally agree. I used to go for the hype, but now I just buy games digitally. The local feel is gone.

13.09.2022
Posts: 390

IceQueen

04.05.2025 12:41

I actually think they are pivoting. They are doing more consignment sales of used games now, which seems to be attracting some local collectors. It's not dead yet, just changing.

25.06.2023
Posts: 1367

CodeBreaker

13.05.2025 16:09

Short. Just empty.

21.02.2023
Posts: 1185

WarzonePro

05.06.2025 19:33

Has anyone noticed if they are running any specific local events? Maybe a retro gaming night or something to draw people back in. The current vibe is just 'meh.'

08.06.2023
Posts: 377

MidnightRider

12.07.2025 04:07

I disagree that it's all online. People still love the physical browsing experience, especially for finding rare, pre-owned items. It's more about marketing and community building than just the product.

20.02.2022
Posts: 839

Alien_B in response

29.07.2025 11:39

Replying to the user who said it's all online: I think that's too broad a generalization. While digital is convenient, the joy of digging through bins of used games and finding a hidden gem is irreplaceable. The store needs to emphasize that curation and experience.

25.12.2024
Posts: 260

FrostGiant

13.08.2025 04:16

Maybe it's just the neighborhood changing. Maybe the foot traffic used to be from a different demographic that used to game heavily.

09.01.2023
Posts: 474

Morse_C

04.09.2025 21:10

I tried selling some old games there last month. They were really slow to move inventory. It feels like they are struggling to compete with eBay and specialized local shops.

18.01.2024
Posts: 1412

Raider_Scum

05.11.2025 03:06

The staff seems really bored lately. They used to be so knowledgeable about niche titles, but now they just point you to the 'used' section and look exhausted. It kills the atmosphere.

07.09.2025
Posts: 1473

ArcadeBoy

01.12.2025 21:18

I think they need a massive overhaul. They should host tournaments for local groups, maybe even partner with a comic book store nearby. They need a reason for people to gather there besides just buying a new release.

27.10.2021
Posts: 455

FrameRate in response

02.12.2025 03:13

Replying to the user who mentioned consignment: Yes! That's exactly what I've noticed. When they promote the trade-in aspect, it gets a small crowd. It seems like 'used' is their lifeline right now.

27.06.2022
Posts: 1014

Karine_C

04.12.2025 20:33

It's a tough market for physical retail, period. Gamestop is just one casualty of the shift to digital and massive e-commerce platforms. Don't blame just them.

21.10.2023
Posts: 264

BlackoutX

17.12.2025 15:48

I remember when they had those huge displays of new releases, and the smell of new plastic and cardboard. It was an event. Now it just feels like a warehouse.

13.11.2024
Posts: 1465

BlackoutX

10.01.2026 06:55

I've been going to the smaller, independent game stores nearby. They have a much more passionate, community feel than the big chain stores do. I think the local market is fragmenting, not disappearing.

28.09.2025
Posts: 60

EternalKnight

23.01.2026 08:46

It's definitely less vibrant. I used to spend hours just browsing the shelves, which was half the fun. Now, I just go in, grab what I need, and leave. It's purely transactional.

04.09.2022
Posts: 6

WarzonePro

19.02.2026 16:23

Has anyone tried the local Facebook groups for trading? I found a much better community vibe and better prices by coordinating trades directly with people in the area.

12.12.2025
Posts: 693

Student_C

30.03.2026 02:26

I think the problem isn't the store, it's the culture. Gamers are more isolated now. We used to meet up to play games, and the store was just a convenient place to buy the physical media for those meetups. The social aspect is what's missing.

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