Why Are Some Comic Book Stores So Unwelcoming?

Before I start this, I want to preface by saying that I have had the pleasure of going to a comic book store that is very welcoming and doesn't make me feel like I don't belong. I have been going there for five years, and it's just as fun and inviting as when I first walked through the door. However, the previous store that I used to go to had started out as a wonderful experience but due to new management it turned into something cold and corporate.

I still can't get over how some comic book stores are still unwelcoming to some customers. There is still this perception that girls, women, people of color and anyone who is LGBTQ+ don't read comic books which sometimes results in them having a disappointing store experience in the process. However, instead of continuing to waste their time going back to stores that don't want their business some have bypassed that entirely by choosing to buy digital or from bookstores and other retailers.

I'm sure these comic book store owners and employees who are pushing away customers are aware that there are other options for these discouraged customers to shop at. So why continue to do it? They are purposely leaving money on the table because they still believe comics and comic book stores are for white men and boys only. That is such an outdated way of thinking and I don't know why some in the comic book industry continue to believe that.

As much as I prefer to buy physical copies of comics, digital comics have made it more accessible for anyone who wants to buy comics. There are some really amazing comic book stores out there with owners and employees who are friendly and love talking about comics and sharing recommendations. Unfortunately, there are still some that have this environment that's very unwelcoming. It makes me mad to hear that customers are ignored or are treated in a patronizing manner as if they are "fake fans" and need to be weeded out.

With some comic book stores going out of business how will some stores survive if they continue to chase away customers? I get the sense that some owners and employees are not willing to accept that there is a change in the target market. And not having an inclusive environment is going to make it harder to stay competitive especially when there are other options to buy comics.

If you have had a bad experience at a comic book store, please try to find one that is more accommodating. But if that's impossible there are always digital comics or book stores that offer comics. Don't give up on reading something you enjoy just find another way to do it.