Warhammer Store and Cafe Los Angeles — Attraction in Monrovia

So this a rare positive when it comes to my experiences at hobby shops. I was in town and decided to visit I guess, partly on nostalgia and wanting to see if I want to get back into the hobby. When I entered the place, I was greeted by a giant space Marine figure and the sales rep at the register. I believe his name was Oscar (sorry if I misremembered) upon greeting we started a small conversation about the hobby and how long I have been away. It was refreshing to see that he was well versed in the products and kind of eased off on the sales pitch aspect. We talked about the current product lines in comparison to the 3rd edition that I started with back then. TBH, he looked like he was in his early 20s, but he knew enough of previous editions stating he started @ 2001. Anyways, the place is definitely larger than average official Warhammer stores and this one includes a small café. There is plenty of products from the various game systems GW offers as well as supplies, game aids, paints, etc. Yes it is GW. Yes there is a premium when it comes to their products. But I felt like this store deserves a look see. Whether you are a casual player, just like to paint minis or full-on campaigner, this store has a little bit (a lot) for you. And the staff seems very firendly, knowledgeable and willing to help newbies and veterans of the hobby without the sales pressure of other hobby shops I've been in....

Welcoming, Well stocked, with strong AC.

We live over an hour away in Escondido. My 7-year-old son is a huge Warhammer fan and had heard about this place one time, and has been baking to go ever since. We had business vaguely in LA and decided to make a pit stop just for little man.

First off, it was over 90° and the AC was pumping strong and it was very cool and refreshing. There were lots of little sit-down places to do painting or have a snack from the cafe. That Cafe had solid choices with fun Warhammer themed names. The multiple staff there can make your order in between answering numerous questions. I think The manager, Adan(sorry if I misremembered) Pop behind for us. My kids also reported that the chaos cookie they each got was very legit.

They had lots of well-painted displays and my son got to see the Titan he had been curious about for quite a while. There was a cool giant space Marine of some kind in front that was easily 10 ft tall. Lots of minis behind cases to look at and both vintage and newer sets to buy. Looks like there is an employee only staircase that goes down to below where they have. What appears to be extra stock as well. One gender neutral bathroom, and lots of play tables in the back.

I would happily go again if it wasn't so far...

I didn't expect too much after reading community reactions to the opening. However, we all know that if us Warhammer fans can complain we will non-stop. I have to say even if I was expecting the best experience I've ever had for a gaming store those expectations would have been exceeded. The story was crazy busy but the employees still made time to help the customers in in ways that go above and beyond. Every employee took time to introduce themselves and ask about what I needed, what I play, and even break upon boxes to see if something I wanted came in without them knowing.

I saw an employee teaching people how to assemble minis he was jumping back to them between helping other customers. He even helped fix a fiddly model with super fragile parts that broke while the kid was taking it off the sprue.

I watched other employees talk over newer collectors army lists with them and recommend models that would fit in well.

This was by far my best experience at a gaming store. My only disappoinment was with decorations. I thought it would be packed with awesome Warhammer decorations that make it a destination and those...