For children of the 80’s and 90’s, growing up playing games was a large part of our social landscape. I have fond memories of playing board games and later video games. Perhaps you do too.
Gaming is still an important social outlet for many of the teens in our small towns here on the Olympic Peninsula. Libraries and local gaming stores provide weekly meet ups for Dungeons and Dragons and Pokemon enthusiasts. Role playing games like Boffer Sword Play now have leagues and monthly tournaments.
I recently had the pleasure to sit down and chat with local game store owner, Drew Schwab, of Anime Kat. I was immediately impressed with the bright openness of the shop. When I think of gaming, I often think of dark, dank basements with dimmed lighting. This place was welcoming, warm, made me want to sit down, play a game, and stay awhile.
Drew is adamant about creating a space where people of all ages can come and play together harmoniously. He holds to a strict code of conduct that all those that enter must adhere to. It’s the old golden rule revamped into today’s language of anti-bullying that is prominently posted as you walk in the door. As a mom, it made me feel at ease knowing that the owner felt this was important enough to visibly post. Asking around, local gamers will tell you that they must behave when at Anime Kat. To me, that makes what Drew does more influential than simply being a retailer. It means he’s crossed over into being a community leader and mentor. That is more valuable these days than anything else.
It’s clear that Drew’s mission is to provide quality products and experiences to his customers in a meaningful gathering space. As such, I was impressed to find out that weddings have occurred in this shop. How many game stores can boast that?
During my visit, a dad came in asking for some guidance on games that his 12-year old son had started playing. He and Drew had a sweet conversation of gaming 101 and Drew helped him gather up items that would help enhance his son’s skills so that he would be prepared to come and play on a game night. The dad left excited knowing he had a way to authentically connect with his son in a meaningful way and confident he could now hold a conversation about his son’s newfound interest. Priceless! As a parent, being able to find a way to connect with your kids in a way that speaks to them while also giving you an opportunity to learn something new is invaluable.
Thank you, Anime Kat, for being more than just a gaming retailer. You are winning at connecting families, being a resource for parents, being a healthy, safe environment for people to hang out and play games, while providing affordable, quality products, and being a respected and admirable mentor within the community.
Anime Kat is Macaroni Kid approved!
Visit the shop and say hi to Drew at:
114 W 1st Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-797-1313
For all things Anime Kat go to www.animekat.com.
