Joe Johnson, co-owner of a collectibles and arcade shop in Duluth, shared how the business grew from a small toy store to a larger space focused on community and fun.
Johnson explained that he and his wife started with a small collectibles shop on the other side of the mall before expanding. “When we got this opportunity to open a much larger one, we were like, ‘Can we fill it up with action figures and everything? Can we fill it up with collectibles?’ We weren’t sure, so I went around and bought, and just threw caution to the wind and bought a bunch of arcade machines. And we just wanted to see if people would respond to an old-school kind of arcade experience. And they have been, it’s really been a really great experience. People come in here for the games, they come in here for the toys, and it’s been like a fantastic synergy for us,” Johnson said.
He described their approach as taking “baby steps” in business, moving from a smaller spot to a bigger one. Johnson said if the new location succeeds after a year, they hope to open a much larger arcade and toy store, possibly as separate spaces.
Reflecting on his love for arcades, Johnson said, “I grew up with arcades, so it was always fun to go, you know, skip school and go to the arcade. But, growing up with the arcade, it was a really interesting community event when we were young. And what’s really fun about it. It’s bringing people are getting to know each other and talk to each other. It’s really funny to have younger kids come in here and be like, ‘How do I win?’ And you play until, you know, it’s dopamine. You win with dopamine. You don’t win prizes. You win with fun, you know? And I think the most, my favorite thing when I was younger was just hanging out with my friends. My favorite thing now is watching people adapt to it and how they are starting to enjoy just not going for a prize but just going for the fun.”
Johnson also expressed gratitude to the community, especially those who feel there are few places for them in Duluth. “I want to say thank you to everybody who comes out and supports us, first and foremost. It is really fantastic, too, because when you talk to these guys like the artists who are here today, and you talk to the nerd community around here, it’s really, like, there’s not a lot for them in Duluth. There’s not a lot for them to find their little treasures in Duluth, in the Duluth area, in the Twin Ports in general. And so, it really makes me- I just really like the fact that they’re coming in and supporting us. And we will keep on trying to do better for them if they keep on supporting us,” Johnson said.
The shop continues to welcome visitors and aims to provide a space for both collectors and arcade fans in the area.
