Sparkling City Local Game Store — Attraction in Corpus Christi

Decided to come here a couple years ago to trade most of my Mtg collection. One of the employees decided to take out most of the cards in my binder and offered a really low amount. Keep in mind he pulled out almost 8 fetch land as well as other chase mythics and rares easily costing about $800+ in total (thoughtseize play set,foil ugin planeswalker, etc). At the end of it all he gave us a price of $200, which is fair since they have the option to choose their price. However, after we declined the offer they told us not to take space at the register. I thought nothing of it until I sat down at a table. Then I was informed in order to even use the table I had to pay atleast $3 to use it. Do not come here if you plan on selling cards and do not expect good customer service.

Edit: looking at the photos whenever I sold the cards, I was wrong about the year, the exact date would be September 15, 2020. It still doesn’t change the fact that he was willing to penny pinch us for having him look at our cards. He could have just left in the binder or simply put them back after checking the condition. But nah, they’re just 100s of dollars worth of cards, no need to be careful with them. There’s one way to establish a community, and I understand you need to make a profit but this is not the way. Judging on previous reviews, the owner needs a PR person 😂 being condescending on your review page doesn’t leave a good reputation. Learn how to be professional.

Edit #2: my bad on not remembering specific dates, why would I go through the hassle of making a false review? I added to photos as proof that I indeed had the cards, and it wasn’t a fake review like you seem to claim on most of your negative reviews.

It’s not anything to do with the offer, but the way you handled the situation. (I even stated that the offer was fine, you have the right to your opinion)

I didn’t want to make this post about the value of the collection I sold on eBay and tried to sell to you, but I can tell you I had over $1,300+ worth of value.

The pictures listed wasn’t everything you pulled out but just to be thorough I’ll post all of the collection so it can jog your memory. The reason I posted this so late was because it was ONLY local game store at the time and I didn’t want an awkward situation to arise if I came back to buy something. Well that day never came and will never come. I hope this post atleast changes someone’s mind on coming to this shop to...

Overpriced and they charge a 2.5% fee on top of their already comparatively high prices if using a card on every purchase. Seems that they charge more since they know currently have the market cornered in Corpus.

The location itself is alright. Definitely looks nicer on the inside. The staff, however, seem to just want you in and out ASAP.

Their single selection and prices were surprisingly fair. Right in line with what you'd spend online. (Most stores charge 10-20% more so this was refreshing to see) And, although the computer was slow, I liked not having to ask them about which singles they had, and being able to place the order on their computer.

Also of note, if you go in to play, they do expect you to spend at least $3. I don't think this is a big deal, but it is kind of tacky to make it an official policy instead of an unspoken rule. I can imagine someone walking in for the first time to play with a friend or trade and getting put off by the staff saying "either pay or get out."

Overall, my biggest issues with this store were the very high prices and ridiculous 2.5% fee, as well as the staff that seemed to not really care about helping or at least being kind.

Hopefully more competition comes to Corpus soon.

(Me and the owner originally had what seemed to be a debate here, but I've removed it so you can read my actual review of the place instead of petty drama. The owner seems to be very sensitive to criticism and rude about it if that means anything to you. Definitely turned me off from giving this place another chance. My original review was actually 2 stars before this rude written...

Me & my brother love to come here in our spare time, whether it’s to browse through card bulk or get a couple of matches of MTG Commander/EDH. It’s an excellent Third Space to unwind at.

Pros: Friendly owners & staff. Welcoming & comfortable atmosphere. Bulk prices (for MTG) are very reasonable, often overwhelmingly generous. Display case prices are compared to online averages; I’ve never felt overcharged. Card accessories (sleeves, deck boxes, playmats) are frequently stocked. Clean & tidy; homely. Sturdy tables & chairs. Well-stocked beverage fridge & snacks. I’ve seen Lorcana, One Piece, & Flesh & Blood mini tournaments be run. Doubles as a DND/tabletop/board game shop on specific days of the week.

Cons: Many people show up on the weekends, so tables might be full. Can feel cramped at times.

In earnest, as someone with Autism, new places & people often feel overwhelming. Sparkling City is the one hobby shop in town where I haven’t felt any pressure to buy something, or felt judged for simply browsing. The atmosphere is nothing but comforting, at least to me. It’s safe to say They’ve made a frequent customer & player out of me & my brother, and until the doors are shut or there’s a major shift in management, I don’t see us stopping...