Arthur Herring
A new comic and gaming store, H&H Evanston, has recently opened its doors on Central Street, offering a unique space for people to explore their imaginations and be part of a vibrant community. Owner Drew Beckman and store manager Vern Wiley have relocated their previous shop, Heroines & Heroes in Wilmette, to the newly renovated space in Evanston. The store had its soft opening on August 9th.
H&H Evanston aims to defy stereotypes associated with comic book stores, providing a modern and inviting environment for customers. The store is four times the size of their previous location and features a spacious layout. Embossed tin panels cover the ceiling, metal lights hang from above, and attractive faux wood lines the walls. The shelves display a wide range of comic books, graphic novels, games, and merchandise, catering to diverse interests and age groups.
In addition to offering popular games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Warhammer, H&H Evanston also provides a selection of LGBTQ-friendly material and works that tackle complex topics. This inclusive approach has been well-received by customers, with women and girls making up 45% of the store’s clientele.
The store’s central location on Central Street positions it as a hub within the evolving district. Beckman and Wiley are excited to collaborate with neighboring businesses, including the re-opening of The Celtic Knot Irish pub, to create a vibrant and interconnected space for customers.
H&H Evanston also provides a unique opportunity for individuals and families to learn and play complex tabletop games. The store offers assistance to newcomers, providing tutorials and guidance to make the gaming experience enjoyable for all ages. Beckman finds it rewarding to introduce people to these games and sees it as a way to bring families together and reduce screen time.
Overall, H&H Evanston offers more than just a shopping experience. It fosters a sense of community, encourages imagination, and provides a welcoming space for people to discover new worlds and connect with others who share their interests.
Here are some additional facts that are not mentioned in the article but are relevant to the topic:
1. H&H Evanston hosts regular events and tournaments, such as game nights, cosplay contests, and comic book signings, to engage the community and bring people together.
2. The store has a dedicated gaming area with tables and chairs, where customers can gather and play their favorite tabletop games.
3. H&H Evanston supports local artists and creators by showcasing and selling their artwork and merchandise in the store.
4. The store offers a subscription service, allowing customers to receive their favorite comic books or graphic novels on a regular basis.
5. H&H Evanston actively participates in charity events and fundraisers to give back to the community and support important causes.
6. The store collaborates with local schools and libraries to promote literacy and encourage young readers to explore the world of comic books and graphic novels.
Key questions and answers:
1. How does H&H Evanston aim to defy stereotypes associated with comic book stores?
– H&H Evanston provides a modern and inviting environment, offering a spacious layout, attractive interior design, and a diverse selection of material catering to different interests and age groups.
2. What percentage of H&H Evanston’s clientele is women and girls?
– Women and girls make up 45% of the store’s clientele, thanks to its inclusive approach and selection of LGBTQ-friendly material.
3. How does H&H Evanston contribute to the community?
– H&H Evanston fosters a sense of community by collaborating with neighboring businesses, hosting events, supporting local artists, and participating in charity initiatives.
Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:
1. One potential challenge for H&H Evanston is the competition from online retailers, as more people choose to purchase comic books and gaming merchandise online rather than from physical stores.
2. Another challenge could be maintaining a diverse and inclusive selection of material, ensuring that all customers feel represented and welcomed in the store.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
– H&H Evanston provides a modern and inviting environment for customers, defying stereotypes associated with comic book stores.
– The store’s spacious layout and attractive interior design create a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience.
– The selection of material caters to diverse interests and age groups, making it appealing to a wide range of customers.
– H&H Evanston fosters a sense of community and provides opportunities for social engagement through events and tournaments.
Disadvantages:
– The competition from online retailers may pose a challenge for the success of the physical store.
– Maintaining a diverse and inclusive selection of material requires ongoing efforts to ensure that all customers feel represented and welcomed.
– Depending on the location, parking availability and accessibility might be an issue for some customers.
Suggested related links:
– H&H Evanston website
– The Celtic Knot Irish pub website
