The Wizard's Chest

 Hello and welcome!

     I discovered a new game shop on Broadway near downtown recently. The Wizard's Chest.  When I say new, I mean new to my experience. Turns out the shop has been locally owned and operated for 38 years! How did I miss this? Well the Denver metro area is large and there are many game stores hidden about like gems in a dark cave. Still this seems like a landmark game store and I can't believe that it took me 7 years to come across it. It sits right on Broadway for heaven sake! How many times did I drive past it? My wife says I am oblivious most of the time. Sheesh, I guess she is right. 

The ground floor

     The Wizard's Chest is 16,000 square feet! The ground level is devoted to costumes, make up and accessories. The basement level is devoted to board games, RPGs and miniature games. There is also a good sized space devoted to demos, events and open play. Of course at the time of this entry the pandemic is still making it's presence felt and that area has been closed off. Attending an event there in the future is definitely on my list! 

     The store was well stocked and the staff was friendly and helpful. They also have a rewards program. You earn 5 quest points (lol) for every dollar spent. As you accumulate points you level up. Each level gains you more rewards all the way up to Guardian of the Gates. This earns you a private game party at the castle including dinner for up to 8 people. Along the way you earn discounts, free shirts, gift cards etc. Also the store was very clean and organized. 

I want to rant a bit on the issue of game stores and cleanliness. Sadly I would say the majority of the game stores that I go into are not clean or organized. The trash cans are over flowing. There is fast foot trash on the counters and tables. Product and paperwork is spilled carelessly about behind the front counter and the bathrooms are in serious need of attention. This can easily create an odor to the store as well. I have been to some game stores where the owner is friendly and knowledgeable but the space is a mess and it smells bad inside. Ok I am done ranting on that subject...for now. 

The D&D shelf

     I have been to The Wizard's Chest twice and enjoyed my experience both times. I am looking forward to taking my kids there so they too will experience the magic of a good game store. I always buy my gaming supplies at a FLGS (friendly local game store) rather than shop online. The gaming community would suffer if we don't support these spaces. 

Wheel chair ramp to the basement

I have not placed a special order yet at the Wizard's Chest. This is another area that most game stores fail at. I will let you know in a future points how they score in this area.

If you live in the Denver metro area and are a gamer or into costumes, you owe it to yourself to visit the Wizard's Chest!  

Stairs to the basement