Cosmic Games & Toys opens space for gaming community
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Cosmic Games & Toys owner Leo Williamson shows off some of his favorite Star Wars toys for sale. (Eddy Nfor/The State Journal)
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Located at 234 West Main Street, Cosmic Games & Toys is the newest shop in downtown with a wide selection of toys, trading cards and open play tables. (Eddy Nfor/The State Journal)
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When Star Wars debuted on the silver screen in May 1977, Leo Williamson was just a child. As the owner of Cosmic Games & Toys, his love of science fiction never waned.
With an impulse to share his love, he created the store where open play, community and gaming could co-exist.
Located at 234 W. Main St. right in the heart of downtown, Cosmic Games & Toys boasts a wide array of toys from various sci-fi franchises, with most of the priced selection collected by Williamson. The location additionally serves as a place for the community to enjoy fellowship together through games. Within the store, tables are provided for card and board games, with Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon trading cards additionally sold.
Described as a family venture, Williamson wants to use the store as an opportunity for his children to gain management experience.
Although not originally born here, his family are locals, with his wife, Jen Spangler Williamson, working as an architect and the co-owner of River City Provisions.
With two more years left on the building lease, he decided to make the most of what he had.
“I’m paying on a lease every month, and I can do something with it or not,” said Williamson. “It’s to give my kids some hands-on experience and help work on the diversity of businesses in downtown Frankfort; this is just for fun.”
Williamson sees the location as an added benefit to downtown, citing that the influx of new and unique stores is a benefit to the vibrancy of downtown, which to him is a massive contrast to how things were 20 or 30 years ago. For him, a vibrant community is one that has a wide selection of eateries, stores, and shops.
Even for those whose interest in gaming is low, he stated that he wants to create an inviting arena for all ages to hang out. Included within the store is a media <a href="https://comicvibe.com/stocks-in-news-ola-electric-meesho-zee-entertainment-tata-motors-passenger-vehicles-and-more/” title=”Stocks in news: Ola Electric, Meesho, Zee Entertainment, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and more “>entertainment area with a wide selection of DVDs. Citizens are also welcome to bring their own pieces of physical media and enjoy connection and comfort on the couch.
With the awareness of the fact that he’s getting older, coupled with health scares in the past, Williamson has allowed himself to loosen and have fun selling what he has enjoyed in his life as a lifelong collector.
He said, “What’s important to me is being free of some stuff and enjoying life more because who knows how long you’ll be here.”
Cosmic Games & Toys is open Wednesday and Thursday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
On Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., players of all skill levels are welcome to join in Magic: The Gathering game nights.
For further details, email info@cosmicgamesandtoys.com
