Building Community Through Comics
Tell Me Something Good About Retail
<p>Guest: Paul Landry, Co-owner of Crossover Comics (Montreal)</p>
<p>Location: 3560 Notre Dame West, Montreal (St. Henry neighborhood)</p>
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<p>Key Discussion Points:</p>
<p>- Store founded in 2012 by high school friends combining library technology, retail, and comic shop experience</p>
<p>- Mission to change comic store reputation from intimidating/judgmental to welcoming</p>
<p>- Uses technology for inventory/loyalty programs, ahead of industry curve</p>
<p>- Focuses on building community through book clubs, events, and an inclusive atmosphere</p>
<p>- Approach to customer service: emphasizes personal taste over "good/bad" judgments</p>
<p>- Marvel movies' limited impact on comic sales; the importance of customer retention</p>
<p>- Social media strategy highlighting staff expertise and customer pride</p>
<p>- Growth plans focused on revenue per square foot and partnerships with schools/libraries</p>
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<p>Notable Quotes:</p>
<p>"You have to be as passionate about running a business as you are about the product." - Paul Landry</p>
<p>"Time moves differently... the way that I mark the passing of time is more the lives of my customers." - Paul Landry</p>
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<p>Store Philosophy:</p>
<p>Emphasizes creating a welcoming environment, avoiding gatekeeping, and supporting diverse interests in comics and gaming culture. Staff trained to focus on customer experience over product criticism.</p>