Dragon’s Hoard. A fitting name for such a shop.
I can imagine dragons already, and I’m not talking about the band. We are given the idea from legend that the dragon would probably be the most feared of any creature, seen or unseen.
Some stories tell of good dragons; like Elliot from Disney’s: Tale of Pete’s Dragon, or as dream pets like the character of Hagrid in Harry Potter when the egg Hagrid won at the Leaky Cauldron hatched into his beloved Norbert. Others show dragons as bad evil menacing creatures such as Smaug from the Hobbit, or to paint a better picture: Shendu in Jackie Chan’s cartoon series: Jackie Chan Adventures.
If you haven’t watched that series, I encourage you to do so. The series is not only full of fun and adventure, but at times it is rather funny.
As we know from certain legends, though, most of the time dragons tend to be considered evil fire-breathing reptiles, who not only terrorize those in the stories that they are put in, but they are also known to keep spoils stored away in their lairs.
Not to worry, though. I promise there are no bad dragons in this story. However, with a name like Dragon’s Hoard, I had to have some fun with the topic at hand.
I didn’t know what to make of the Dragon’s Hoard at first; that was until I stepped inside and had a look around. Given the location of the Dragon’s Hoard, one would think that the shop is not worth a second look due to the area and the neighborhood that surrounds it.
Some would say, if it weren’t for being near the Food Lion, you wouldn’t know that it was even there unless you drive or walk by.
A Hidden Gem in Greensboro
Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, on West Market Street, there is a store that is known as the Dragon’s Hoard. A store that seems to be a treasure trove of merchandise, mainly in the line of gaming.
In a way, it reminds me of an antique store, only with perspective differences. In business for three years, the Dragon’s Hoard opened with a vision to supply North Carolina with all things collectible. At first, it was only a store that would specialize in gaming, from board games on up to video games, tabletop games, and other kinds of consoles.
Husband and wife owners Sherri and Zack secured the location from another store that had long since gone out of business. They put a lot of their own money into getting the business up and running. The landlord seemed to have cut them a break on the rent in view of such determination.
The place has become a good business with a people-first culture. Since most of their business is video games, it would seem wise that they would have their customers test them out on location before they make the decision to purchase. Kind of like buying a car; not only to make sure the item works, but also to see if it is a good fit for one’s own liking.
They playfully call the Greensboro location Geeksboro, and once you walk into their little corner of the shopping center, you kind of understand why, but it is not a bad reflection on the term Geek I assure you. In a way, it is kind of a sense of nostalgia, like with most collections.
The Psychology of Collecting
It is not unheard of that most of us, from childhood on, find some intriguing pleasure in collecting something, or anything. Doesn’t have to be one thing in particular; it could be any objection. A reflection of the past, or something from our own past.
Some collect baseball cards, some collect classic cars, or, since they are less expensive than the actual thing, the model version of them; a perfect example being my brother when we were kids.
Growing up as a child of the 90s, I was hooked on Pokémon: The TV series, games, and the cards; obviously, no distinction. Of course, there were also movies, comics, and video games of all sorts. Starting with a Sega Genesis, to Gameboy, to PS2.
To quote my Uncle Bob, we were practically “Slaves to Sega.” I will admit now, the Sonic the Hedgehog games were kind of addictive, but there were several reasons.
As I tell friends of mine, being a writer of an assortment of novelties of my own, the concept of escapism is usually key to good quality entertainment. Video games are no exception to that rule.
More Than Just a Game Store
The Dragon’s Hoard had evolved into something a little more, kind of like a Pawn Shop, but the setup almost looks like the show Pawn Stars. People cannot only buy merchandise, but they can also sell and trade if they feel like it is necessary.
Aside from the countless video games, you get the sense that when you walk in, Sci-Fi seems to be the dominant culture, at least from a collector’s standpoint. You are surrounded by everything from Pokémon to Magic: The Gathering, to Avengers, to Star Wars.
Can’t forget Batman and Superman. Even King Kong has been known to make an appearance.
Events and Community Building
Part of the draw to the Dragon’s Hoard is the events they host that seem to draw certain crowds. Most related to gaming; however, there are other promotions involved. A favorite of theirs would be Magic: The Gathering, but don’t rule anything out.
They have been known to have something for fans of all sorts. Pokémon, Star Wars, if it’s worth anyone’s time, they will see if they can host such events. Kind of like Comic Con, only not as elaborate. It just depends on what the individual, or individuals, are into.
You must look around and see what is in store. There are also areas in the store that seem to be an inviting presence. Not just to shop, buy, or trade, but to have get-togethers with friends, or if you’re looking to be a creator, there seems to be a room added on, just for such a concept.
If you’re into such things, and you feel that such creative genius is in your blood, what better way to keep the creative juices flowing than being surrounded by a store with a collection that could offer such inspiration?
About the Author
Patrick Cassidy has mysteries and retail in his blood. He’s worked in the retail stores sector during the day, while dedicating his evening to his craft. A published author, Patrick’s stories include the Blue Wizard Detectives series and What the Hoo, loosely based on Rocky, the tiny owl often referred to in the media as the “Times Square Tree owl”. He’s also written And the Right Fielder’s Name about his favorite baseball team, The New York Yankees. Patrick was born and raised in New York. He now resides in Greensboro, N.C., where he patiently creates his next tale.