selling points

Both real and plastic swords line the walls behind the counter. Nearby is a large box filled with dice in a variety of shapes and colors with a sign: “Sale: One scoop for $10.”

Boxes of paperback books are stacked on shelves with handwritten labels and price tags. An orange and red plaid couch is in the middle of the floor.

Not exactly what you would find at a Borders, but that’s part of the store’s allure, Spellbinders’ owner Paul Burdick says.

He says small shops have a very different appeal than stores like Wal-Mart because those stores focus primarily on convenience and speed, a concept Ravenna Wal-Mart store manager Brian Bradley agrees with.

“Our store’s biggest advantage is having everything under one roof,” he says.

Lower prices are also an advantage at chain stores. The combination is often a selling point for many students.



“I prefer larger [stores] because they’re more convenient,” junior psychology major Morgan Shanafelt says. “Plus, I know more about them.”

Students may not be aware of small shops, but Burdick says specialty shops have more charm.

“There’s a certain kind of personality to a small shop,” Burdick says, explaining that his store is an extension of his personality.

“If people like my personality, I suspect they’ll be back.”

It’s this charm that creates competition between the two types of businesses.

“Competition is always good in retail,” Bradley says. “We’re not trying to take customers away from [specialty shops].”




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