Comic Shop Spotlight: Happy Harbor
Aug 03, 2015
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Happy Harbor in Edmonton, AB Canada.
OWNERS: Jay Bardyla and Shawna Roe
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 12
YEAR OPENED: 1999
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1
STORE SIZE (SQ. FT): 4,650
Favorite Recent Comic Book: Justice League
How was your Halloween ComicFest event? It really isn’t a big event for us, but we do give out the books. It is actually better for our partners at the schools and libraries we work with.
What has been your best promotion or event? Free Comic Book Day is our best event. We do have success with many other promotions including our scotch tasting events we do for charity, our annual art show, and 24 hour Comic Day.
What recent changes have you made in the store? We put in new carpeting. We started displaying our new comics better on new racks. We added board games, expanded our kids section, and added new fixtures in many areas of the store. We have also hired a PR & Events Coordinator.
What steps have you taken to expand your customer base or to reach out to individuals unfamiliar with your store or comics in general? We reach out to new customers through our school programs and hosting our many charity events. We also participate in library and teacher conferences, helping to educate the educators.
What are your plans for the near future? We are starting our LGBTQ Book Club. We are also developing a podcast and are planning a rearrangement of the store.
How did you choose your store name? I am a big Justice League fan.
What superpower would you most like to have? Flight or time-travel.
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| Customers can find all the latest merchandise and newest titles in one convenient section. | The shop recently implemented a new method of displaying their new comics on the racks. |
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| Back issues are also easy to browse thanks to these handy, custom stands! | A wide array of manga means customers will have no problem finding a title that catches their eye. |
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| Andrea Brown shows off of the shop's Diamond Best Practices award-winning kids' section! | There are plenty of toys, action figures, and collectibles to be had. |
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| There's also an apparel section. | Fans can kick back in this stylish seating area (and play a game or two). |
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