Get Your Game On
There are at least three shops in Lakewood that span the esoterica of intellectual recreation.
The erstwhile special interest shop, the Game Matrix, on South Tacoma Way, just north of Steilacoom Blvd seems to have collapsed earlier this year, an apparent victim of the COVID pandemic.
Filling in the gap is The Game Wizard just west of City Hall. It has over 2000 square feet of games and collectibles. Nearly half of the shop is sectioned off with gaming tables. It is a branch operation of its Bremerton big sister shop. And, like the Bremerton shop, the Lakewood staff plans to open a theme tavern and restaurant (Middle Earth enthusiasts and betrotheds take note). Pending permits, they hope to open next year.
While the Bremerton shop caters to the area sailors, the Lakewood shop seems to draw small groups of McChord airman, as the Game Wizard staff intended.
They even have an extension next door of two unadorned game rooms each available for $10/hour.
Pacific Northwest Gaming and Collectibles on Pacific Hwy S. (near Gravelly Lake Dr. and I-5) has a breathtaking 1400 sq. ft. showroom of collectibles of all types and all eras, metal lunchboxes from the 70’s, Fisher Prices kits, early Lego assortment and celebrity memorabilia.
They even have a couple small mascot cats, Gypsy and Figaro in search of patron skritches.
While the shop may seem locked upon arrival, the owner is in his office just a phone call away ready to open his doors.
The owner, Robert’s philosophy is to provide a “people first” community service, holding their profit margin at 1% and a cash guarantee to buy collectibles at the best price and sell them at the lowest.
While they have no website, they do have a Facebook page ‘PNW Gaming and Collectibles”.
Comiks the Gathering deferred coverage for this story.