Hastings
I never heard of Hastings before Rich Johnston’s article on them opening more chains across the US and creating a comics retail section. Must be regional.
There are a number of reasons that I think it is good to have a chain associated with comic books, but the number one reason is, the general consumer.
Hardcore comic fans are exactly that, hardcore. They will find a comic store no matter where they are, so while Hastings may become a boon to their travel expenses, they were going to get their comics somehow.
The general consumer represents a much larger customer base that is not so in-the-know, and most importantly, doesn’t want to be. Their knowledge of the medium is superficial at best and tends to stem from brief childhood exposure or a blockbuster film. That’s fine because we still want their money, but with that cursory education you’re not dealing with the usual buyers.
This audience is going to associate Hastings with comic books and those comics with a PG13 film or PG cartoon with the notable brands walk into a store and find what?
A bit of a problem.
Publishers and Hasting need to overcome the moms that don’t know the difference between Batman: Brave and the Bold vs. Batman & Robin. That example is easy, considering that there actually are two different products to shelf, but what about for the brands where there aren’t?
A parent who’s kid wants some Hulk comics, and is not to keen on reviewing the material first, might have opinions on the appropriateness of the comic after the fact… with their lawyer.
That is not a doom and gloom scenario. I think having a branded chain associated with comics is great, again for the general consumer, but that requires not relying on the same practices forged in our beloved hobby shops. It’s a great opportunity to grow the audience and generate more revenue among a group that has no idea that new comics are only released on Wednesdays.
