Finding collectibles that are trending is incredibly hard, especially with scalpers on the rise, who shove every piece of a store’s inventory into their carts. However, you could also head over to a card show, but something local would be more suitable. Maybe you’re into RPGs or board games, but playing with family is getting old. You’re just trying to find a community that embraces your hobbies, somewhere you feel welcomed and accepted.
Behold, a wild Tabletop Cards & Games appears in Malden Center!
This new-and-upcoming hobby store is located at 61 Exchange Street, which is a short seven-minute walk from Malden High School, and opens at 2 p.m. on weekdays, making it convenient for an after-school browse. Although Tabletop is currently in its soft opening, their grand opening is on Friday, October 30th. Walking into the store, you will be presented with shelves full of merchandise, trading card equipment, and collectibles, including Pokémon trading cards, sports trading cards, and other special novelties.
There are many different sections of the store suited for tabletop gamers of all kinds, with a wide selection of board games, card games, and more complex games, such as Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer. Tabletop also has multiple designated gaming areas, including a private “Dungeon” gaming room which can be rented out by obtaining a membership. Tabletop Cards & Games’ membership is $5 monthly, and provides you with early pre-orders online, unlimited access to in-house board games and painting supplies, and “Loyalty Bonus XP”, which earns you points after every dollar you spend that go towards discounts.
“They have so much on display, but they also have a whole lounge section. My personal favorite things were the Halo and Star Wars sections because I love both! I’ve never seen so much Halo stuff in a single store before, and that was super cool,” junior Nico Cherry expressed.
Tabletop Cards & Games’ main focus is community. “I want people to be able to come in, experienced or brand new, to feel welcome, and know that if they’re experienced, they’ll play against someone who shares that, or if they’re new, they’ll play against someone who’s friendly with new players,” shared store manager Doug, who has a passion for playing Union Strike.
Malden High’s brand-new Collectors Club is also hosting a meeting here on November 12th, attracting a young, growing audience.
“This store is a spectacular spot to buy items that will satisfy your hobbies. Not only that, but it is a great hang-out spot. The workers are extremely nice and welcoming and always help out whenever you need them,” junior Davi Dei Santi highlighted.
Company president of Prima Entertainment, John, shared that the whole concept of a game store blossomed during COVID-19. “We started playing some board games and got a little bit back into Magic: The Gathering by playing with each other. We were having a lot of fun with that. I created a couple of games, and my business partner also got back into collecting sports cards.”
The store’s beginnings started on an app called WhatNot, which is a platform where creators livestream and sell collectibles to their viewers. Tabletop has its own designated WhatNot streaming room, where staff hype up their viewers with their best pulls by ripping open packs.
“Start small; don’t worry about jumping in and trying to be the best or buying the most expensive product. It’s just about starting small and doing what you love because there’s so many different hobbies you can choose from,” Doug continued.
The gaming and collecting community in Malden is extremely grateful to have a new store to add to the Gaming District. If some of your biggest interests consist of what this small business has to put on their shelves, then this is your sign to stroll down Exchange Street and visit Tabletop Cards & Games. The doors are open for an experience of fun and possible new friendships!
“I recommend this spot not even to just people who have hobbies like Pokémon and Warhammer, but I recommend it to anyone who wants to support an upcoming business,” Dei Santi concluded.
Tabletop Cards & Games can also deliver your hobby goods via their online website, tabletgc.com, where you can find more information about the company and special events held in-store.
An important note from Doug to Tabletop Cards & Games’ customers: “Just come in, learn, and fall in love with it over time.”
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