TRACY HARRIS – Staff Writer
There’s a lot to be said about people engaging with each other, interacting without cell phones, and building relationships through shared interests these days.
We ran the story “One Good Thing that Came out of 2020” on Dec. 28, 2023 about Small Town Games. In November, owner Toby Truman announced that the store would likely be closing in February 2024 due to a reality he had long struggled with-the store was “in the red.”
Austin Elkins, a customer of the store, contacted Truman on Discord asking if there was any way he could help save the store. Elkins thought of ways he could help and he created a YouTube video showcasing the store’s products. It now has over 550 views. He also created a GoFundMe that first week of December. Elkins’ goal was “to save my most favorite place in the world…because it saved me.” It has now raised $1,625. Elkins said, “The fundraiser will help but what will save it are people-more people coming in.”
Well, that has happened and on Jan. 8, they announced that the store would be staying open for now, for at least a few more months to see if things turn around. “How can you help? Champion a game, tell people, come shop. Thanks y’all,” Truman said.
Truman added photos of people upstairs playing Pokémon on the afternoon of Jan. 25 and wrote, “Word of mouth works, thanks everyone! 21 smiling, not on their phone kids, playing Pokémon and having a ball with their friends! Every Thursday, tell your friends.”
Unmatched Adventures: Tales To Amaze is a newer release that has become popular. Employee Caleb Isham said the store expects to have more in stock soon. In traditional Unmatched, each player chooses a hero to battle against other players’ characters. In Adventures, it is more of a co-op game where players team up to battle the villain. Instead of battling each other, players can use four new heroes – Nikola Tesla, Anioe Christmas, the Golden Bat, and Dr. Jill Trent the Science Sleuth. Players can also use heroes from other Unmatched sets in Unmatched Adventures or they can use heroes from Unmatched Adventures in traditional Unmatched battles.
In addition to games, the store features a concession stand with affordable snacks and drinks. You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/smalltowngames. Pokémon is played upstairs every Thursday from 3 – 5 p.m. and all levels of experience are welcome to attend. The store is located at 123 W. Commerce Street in Lewisburg and they are open Thursday 3 – 8 p.m., Friday 1 – 11 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. On Jan. 29, Truman said, “We’re looking to reopen on Sundays again in a few weeks!” So stay tuned for additional hours becoming available.
