Comic Book Store

         

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Interview with Tom Johnson, Owner of the Comic Cave in Portland, Oregon

1) How did you get started in the comic book business?

I've been a lover of comics since I was a kid. I started collecting as a young boy, and my passion has only grown stronger over the years. When I was in my mid-20s, I decided to take the plunge and open up my own store. It was a big risk, but I knew I had the knowledge and enthusiasm to make it work.

2) What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out?

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right location. I knew that I needed a space that had good foot traffic, but I also had to be mindful of my budget. Once I found the perfect location, I had to work hard to attract customers. I started with a small selection of comics and gradually expanded my inventory as my customer base grew.

3) What sets The Comic Cave apart from other comic book stores?

I think what sets us apart is our commitment to customer service. We treat every customer like family and take the time to get to know them and their interests. We also go out of our way to make sure that everyone who walks into our store feels welcome and comfortable.

4) Can you talk about your unexpected success with Shopify?

Sure! We started using Shopify a few years ago to help manage our online store, and it's been a game-changer for us. Having an online presence has allowed us to reach customers outside of Portland and has helped us continue to grow our business.

5) How has the pandemic affected your business?

Like many businesses, we've had to change the way we operate due to the pandemic. We've had to limit the number of customers who can be in the store at one time, and we've had to rely more on our online sales. But our customers have been incredibly supportive, and we've been able to adapt and keep the business going.

6) What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own business?

My advice would be to take the time to really think through your business plan and do your research. It's also important to be passionate about what you're doing and be willing to put in the hard work. And don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from other business owners.

7) What's next for The Comic Cave?

We're continuing to focus on our online sales and expanding our inventory. We're also looking into potentially opening another location in the future. Our ultimate goal is to continue to be a go-to destination for comic book lovers in Portland and beyond.

Thanks for chatting with me today, Tom. It was great to learn more about your journey and your business.

Thank you for having me!

         

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