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Retro, classic games draw fans
from afar at Fun Unlimited
By Blaine Adams
May 12, 2009 | Stacks of rare and unique collectibles
practically spill out the door, inviting customers inside.
Customers who venture into Fun Unlimited in Cache Valley
Mall find themselves under siege from all sides by all
types of media, many of it "retro" or classic
video games.
"I think we're the best source of retro and classic
video games as well as being a good place to buy and
sell and exchange used media," said Anthony Johnson,
an employee.
Discerning gamers know that outside a couple of pawn
shops, there are no businesses selling old systems and
games to go with them. The vibe in the store is a collector's
paradise: the employees will always help the customers
find what they need, but there is a certain pleasure
and thrill in discovery in perusing the shelves and
happening upon an over-looked treasure.
"I think we have a larger variety of games and
platforms, as well as variety within the platforms [than
anyone else]," Johnson said. Original Xboxes and
Playstation 2s line the shelves, right next to the latest
Playstation 3. Old Nintendo systems still wait above
the customer's eye line, out of sight, but ready for
purchase. Customers are greeted with smiles and called
by name. Johnson explained the store's appeal.
"We try to treat the person as a person, and not an
anonymous customer," he said. This philosophy extends
to every transaction, and in the design of the shop
itself. Although chaotic at first, the underlying structure
belies the excessive care given to make sure all items
are presented in a rational manner, by genre, by alphabetical
letter, or by platform. Johnson explained the reason
for the store's success.
"The small-town atmosphere and the familiarity
of the relationship between the employee and the customer.
As well as [being] the only place within a 100-mile
radius that sells classic games and movies," he
said.
The shop succeeds by breeding a community for gamers
to congregate, swap stories with the owner, and feel
at home. In many ways, Fun Unlimited stands as one of
the few places gamers can go to interact with others
and enjoy their passion and hobby. Johnson said that
many of the people who come in are long-time customers.
The store has a way of cultivating loyalty. After the
personal service and quiet but surprisingly intense
video gaming atmosphere, it can be hard to return to
another store.
"We have people coming from as far north as the northern
Idaho border and as far south as Salt Lake," Johnson
said.
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