Nostalgic Books & Comics on Main St. In Alhambra
Name:
Nostalgic Books & Comics
Address:
517 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
Phone Number:
(626) 282-9595
Websites:
Nostalgic Website
Facebook
Yelp
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
One thing that’s disappointed me about my time here in SoCal is the lack of decent used book stores. Okay, you know, forget that: the lack of ANY used bookstores! Back in Indiana, you were tripping over used bookstores. Sure, most of them had the same musty Harlequin romance novels, but they always had at least a few science fiction books, and some good cheap comics you didn’t worry about tearing up. But out here? It’s pretty much been a fruitless combination of Jack and Squat.
On February 27, 2010, there seemed to be a light suddenly appear at the end of the dark tunnel. Hopefully a beacon of hope. A new store opening on Main St. in Alhambra. Nostalgic Books & Comics started off right: Help wanted ad on Craigslist, Fan Page on Facebook, starting to build up the hype, and it was all done back in November/December of 2009. Now here they are today: Website promoting their new books and events, and a small little store crammed with geeky goodness and fun.
Now when you walk in, you have to remember: this isn’t a standard book or comic book store. They have a strong focus on Science Fiction and Fantasy books, back issues of comics, and graphic novels. A lot of their stuff is used, so that really helps the prices on all but the more collectible items, and even those aren’t highway robbery. Their selection of manga isn’t bad, and takes up a decent section of the store. To help fill out the science fiction and fantasy books, they occasionally get in some general reading titles that they go ahead and throw up on the shelves at good prices. Their comic selection isn’t outstanding, but they’re also a BRAND NEW STORE and you always have to take your time with the new stores, work with them, let them know what you’re looking for and let them get a feel for the lay of the land. Trust me, I’ve opened a Comic Book store before, and I was in charge of ordering the comic books. It takes months to get the mix just right, and they can’t do it without help from loyal and friendly customers, which would be my readers, right? RIGHT? The comics are part new release books, mainly mainstream with some indie stuff their staff finds interesting, and part long boxes full of older books. Everything looks to be pretty fair, with higher priced/valued books up on the wall, and a good amount of bargain $1 books in the boxes, so I was pleasantly surprised by that.
Their staff seems to be on top of things. I was happy to see them busy working on projects in the store when I walked in. A lot of times, if it’s slow, then the associates think it’s time to slack off, read behind the counter, and do anything other than earn a paycheck. This team looks like they’re taking command of the store, helping to make it their own with the blessing of the owner. They were very chatty with me, talking about what I liked, making suggestions, essentially doing what any good staff should be doing when they’re new to the market: getting to know their customers. One thing the staff is having fun with is special events to help increase community participation with the shop. For example, up on their website on the date of this posting, they have information on a promotion with a local theater for the film “Kick Ass” and information about a free in-store screening of the classic 80′s comedy, “Ghostbusters.” They enjoy having authors in for book signings, and they have a video game tournament coming up at the end of the month. Why a video game tournament when they don’t sell video games? Why not? They know their people, and their people are our people, and we all love video games, right?
My geeklings, if you’re in their area, I strongly recommend you drop by Nostalgic Books & Comics and check them out. If you work with them a little, they’ll work with you and I’m sure they’ll become a good resource for your novel and comic needs. Please, don’t let them fade away like many small businesses that are really trying out there right now.
Live long and prosper,
The Geek Explorer
The Geek Explorer started exploring his geekish tendencies back in 1991 when his father bought him the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, even though his path was more than likely preordained when he was born two days before Star Wars premiered.
He has spent most of his adult life in geekish pursuits. His retail preferences has always been around electronics, video games or movies. He has spent time working in the practical FX industry, working on The Tick and Blade 2. He has dipped his toes in the licensed prop replica market, as well as working on his own non-licensed personal projects. He likes making outrageous claims like he founded the Rebel Legion Star Wars costuming group. He also enjoys a nice slice of cake over pie.
I really ordinarily am not really one to leave remarks but this definatley merits a thumbs up. I definitely will like you on facebook.