Ambassador Report - August 2002
Region: Ronara - West Texas
Ambassador: Matt Clouser
1. THE STATE OF GAMING IN MY AREA:
Retailer Scene: San Angelo took a "critical hit" this weekend - our local game store, Hard Drive Gaming Center, suddenly closed their doors on 31 August. They will not be reopening, and all their mechandise is tied up as assets in litigation between the current and former owners of the store.
That leaves only one small store in the local are that supports CCGs - Specialties. Both the local LOTR PC and I have had a history of problems with that store, primarily from the management. Also, some of the local gamers won't go in the store as a matter of principal.
CCG Scene: Not much to report - Specialties is about half toy store. The gaming side is primarily RPG and Warhammer. Magic is played there on occasion. They keep some LOTR in stock - no STCCG at all. There is no support of Decipher gaming at that venue.
2. WHAT I'VE DONE "FOR LOVE OF THE GAME" ....
Tournaments: Helped Grant Woodring set up and run a tournament on 3 August - only had 5 players in attendance.
Tournament Directors: Three santioned TD's - Jerry Jackson, Grant Woodring and myself.
Demos: No formal demos done this month.
3. PROMOTIONAL PLANS FOR NEXT MONTH.
I spent the last several days trying to figure out how bad our current situation is - and with some very messy litigation in the works, it looks like most of the STCCG product in town is going to be tied up indefinitely.
The local LOTR PC and I are looking at approaching Hastings - a large entertainment store here in town - about the possibility of "adopting" us. We're trying to coordinate a date right now.
I'm VERY concerned about my local player base - some have seen this as the death of CCG's here in town. I've made it plain to them that at least STCCG and LOTR are trying to land on their feet.
I had a warp speed deck building clinic set up with the local SciFi club for Sept 14th. With Hard Drive closing, the SciFi club is also looking for an alternate meeting local - so my clinic is up in the air right now.
4. UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: Pretty much on hold right now.
5. LOCAL RETAILERS/VENUES: NONE!
Until next month - wish me luck!!!!
Matt Clouser
STCCG Ambassador, Ronara Region
San Angelo, Texas USA
We've had good experiences with the Hastings bookstores in the past. I
think the prospect is good. If you need any help with this, let Kevin and
I
know!
--
Sean Smallman
Marketing Group, Decipher Inc.
Brand Manager
Star Trek Line