Anubis Games & Hobby With Store Owner, Darnel Sonnier

In episode 15 of The Match Slip podcast, we're talking with store owner, Darnel Sonnier, of Anubis Games & Hobby located in Lafayette, Louisiana.

A former welder, Darnel's store, Anubis Games & Hobby, began online selling on eBay and in flea markets. The inspiration to launch a store originated with the affinity he had for a store in Georgia. In the initial 7 months of opening his brick-and-mortar store, Darnel was there 7 days a week.

Along with his wife, Darnel shares that he had to learn the business of running a game store. He found himself sleeping at the store and putting all the money made back into the business. While he regrets not paying himself in those first 7 months, he decided to see the store through due to the people. He wanted to see the store's success for his customers.

In the early days, he did everything, but these days he handles the bills. He credits the team he's built for carrying out the vision of Anubis Games & Hobby with special recognition for his store manager. Overall, he wants his employees to feel a sense of ownership in the store which includes ceding some control.

The location he's in now covers all the requirements that Darnel was looking for including foot traffic, existing anchor stores, and being located off a busy street. The first location didn't have everything he was looking for. Additionally, the rent was very high so he moved the store's location to where it resides now.

Encapsulated with an Egyptian theme, Darnel's WPN Premium store provides its customers with a free space to play. Due to the long-term lease structure he negotiated, he could offer this amenity to his players.

One of Darnel's desires would be to one day have the space to add a LAN center. He also envisioned a small micro-center offering computer and 3D printing products.

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