Imagination-driven hobbies help keep gaming businesses afloat

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Periods of quarantine have helped revive certain hobbies -- and a growing demand for board games has helped shops of that specialty keep afloat during the pandemic.

Taiga Comics & Games in Marquette said their biggest sales during the holidays came from purchases in board games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Catan and Ticket to Ride.

Owner Robert Towers explained that while sales overall have been impacted from years past - less foot traffic in the area resulting in less impulse buying, cancelled store events, production delays in overseas imports - the demand’s been high for games that drive the imagination.

“Because you know with everyone inside quarantined, families need a lot of stuff to keep entertained. You know, those are great for it. Honestly, one of things about Dungeons & Dragons that’s really done well, is that’s the kind of game you can play really well over Zoom with a bunch of friends,” Towers said.

As part of their COVID safety measures, Taiga Comics & Games offer only sales of their games -- no rentals.

And they also offer scheduling of your own individual shopping times.

Find more information here: Taiga Comics & Games Facebook Page