The comic shop near my place had a 'silent reading' hour and it missed the point

I stopped into Cosmic Collectibles last Saturday after my shift. They do this thing now where from 11 to noon, nobody talks. Quiet browsing only. The owner said it's to help people focus on the stories. I get the idea, but half the reason I go to a shop is to chat with the guy behind the counter or the dude looking at the same Batman run. You miss out on tips, recommendations, just the vibe. I felt like I was in a library instead of a comic store. Anyone else ever run into a shop trying something like this that just felt off?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer9811mo ago

Hit up the owner on a slow weekday and ask him to keep that hour just for new release day maybe.

parker_palmer441mo ago

Man I gotta say @spencer981 I'm just not sure this is worth all that planning. I've been to plenty of release day events where the store was packed and it was still fun. You just show up, grab your stuff, and get out. Most people aren't there for a whole hour anyway. The owner probably has bigger things to worry about than setting aside a special time slot just for a few collectors. Feels like making a bigger deal out of it than it needs to be. If you miss the first hour, you'll still find what you want later on.

ellis.faith1mo ago

I feel like the part about 'you'll still find what you want later on' is just not true for a lot of drops. @spencer981 has a point if you ask me. Some releases sell out in the first 20 minutes, not the first hour. If you show up late you're just looking at empty shelves and maybe a few leftover mediums. Collectors know this. It's not about making a big deal, it's about being able to actually get the thing you planned for. Store owners do care about their regulars, setting aside an hour isn't that hard. I've seen small shops do way more for loyal customers than just a time slot. It's basic respect for the people who keep the place running. Missing the first hour means you miss half the stock, plain and simple.