Any Mom 'n Pop video game stores where you are?

[NuttyFluffers]

i'm seeing a very disturbing trend where most video games are now distributed retail by a mere handful of companies in many areas. one particular company that's on my shit list is Barnes & Noble conglomerate. they own Software Etc, Gamestop, Funco, Electronic Boutique, and Babbages. pretty much they are the Claire's earring and accessories conglomerate, but for video games. mall shopping for video games is pretty much relegated to a monopoly. alternatives? the dying Toys 'R Us, Target, Wal*Mart, Fry's, possibly FYE and other craptastic "music & entertainment" stores.

i really, really, really don't want to end up where good games, and possibly whole company line-ups, will get "backroom dealed" out of the market. this is getting into scary territory and we don't have a viable "electric towns" like japan does. so, how's your small indie game stores doing? too many are dying around me, but still i try to support (because that's where there's some of the best deals! instead of scouring then fighting the ebay video game "stock market"). any notables worth visiting when on stopover to your city?

[Ravenseye]

1. I don't really know of any

A couple local stores that sell a bunch of stuff sell some games, but for the most part they're all the stores that you mentioned.

Luckily the internet should protect that. There are already games that never have seen a shelf in a store that are quite popular.

[YOY]

2. I stopped buying from Software Etc and the like once they put the

PC games in the back like it was pornography or something.

I'll order direct or get them on Amazon when I can or Target if they're on sale (older games at 20$ is about right to me.)

[NuttyFluffers]

3. i try to order from private websites if possible

sometimes they're the only place to get some older stuff, too.

[semillama]

4. I've never seen one.

So, I support the one that's closest to me. Might as well keep it in the neighborhood. It's a Gamestop, and the folks there are really enthusiastic about their jobs, and since I have the value card, I get a 10% discount on used games, a 10% added value to my trade-ins, and 10% off one new game a month, plus that includes a subscription to Game Informer. I'm pretty happy with them.