My recent visit to the Games Keep store left me concerned about potential hygiene issues. After hearing about possible MRSA contamination in the area, I decided to take matters into my own hands and attempted to clean the store using a mop and bleach. This review outlines my experience and the store's response to the situation.
The Store: The Games Keep has a charming and inviting atmosphere, with a wide selection of role-playing games, miniatures, and accessories. As a fan of D&D and UBBW, I was excited to explore the variety of products they had on display. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable, providing useful insights and recommendations to customers.
Hygiene Concerns: During my visit, I noticed some areas of concern that prompted me to take action. The store's cleanliness appeared lacking, and it seemed like surfaces, especially frequently-touched ones, were not being regularly disinfected. Given the recent MRSA scare, I felt uneasy about the potential risk to customers' health. Unfortunately, I didn't witness any visible efforts by the staff to address these concerns.
Taking Matters Into My Own Hands: After my visit, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I decided to return to the store late at night with a mop and bleach solution to attempt a makeshift cleaning. Sneaking in through the window was not an ideal approach, but I genuinely wanted to contribute positively to the store's hygiene.
Cleaning Process: With a sense of determination, I proceeded to clean the gaming tables, surfaces, and frequently touched objects. I focused on areas like dice trays, communal gaming accessories, and door handles. While my intentions were good, I must admit that I lacked professional knowledge about effective sanitation practices and proper disinfection procedures.
Store Response: The following day, the store management discovered what I had done. They were appreciative of my concern for hygiene but expressed their disappointment regarding my unauthorized attempt to clean the store. They emphasized that they had cleaning protocols in place, and my actions could have created additional issues or hazards.
My experience taught me several valuable lessons. Firstly, taking matters into one's own hands, even with good intentions, can sometimes be misguided and counterproductive. Instead, it's essential to communicate concerns directly with the store management or staff, allowing them to address the issues appropriately. Secondly, I realized that my lack of knowledge in proper cleaning techniques and the use of disinfectants could potentially cause harm rather than help.
While my intentions were driven by genuine concern, the approach I took to clean The Games Keep from MRSA was not the best course of action. It is crucial for store owners to prioritize hygiene and sanitation, especially in light of potential health risks. Equally, customers should openly communicate their concerns, giving the store the opportunity to address them professionally and responsibly. As a community of gamers, we should collectively strive to ensure that our gaming spaces are safe, clean, and enjoyable...
Read moreAs an enthusiastic D&D gamer, my visits to the local Games Keep store were always filled with excitement and camaraderie. However, my recent experience has left me with mixed feelings as I contracted MRSA, a potentially dangerous infection, during one of my visits. This review aims to shed light on the importance of hygiene and safety in communal gaming spaces.
The Store and Gaming Environment: The Games Keep has long been a gathering place for passionate gamers of all ages. The store's cozy ambiance, impressive game collection, and welcoming staff contributed to its popularity among the gaming community.
Gaming sessions at The Games Keep were a highlight, with players coming together to embark on thrilling adventures and form lasting friendships. The tables were regularly packed with players engaged in captivating campaigns, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the store.
Hygiene Concerns: During my visit to The Games Keep, I couldn't help but notice some potential hygiene concerns that raised red flags. Despite the welcoming atmosphere, it was evident that sanitation practices were not given the attention they deserved. Gaming equipment, communal dice, and surfaces appeared to lack regular cleaning, which presented an increased risk of spreading germs and infections.
My Experience: Within a few days after my visit to The Games Keep , I began experiencing alarming symptoms—a painful, swollen wound on my arm that was soon diagnosed as MRSA. As I delved into the possible sources of the infection, I couldn't help but suspect that it might have originated from the game store.
Responsibility and Communication: While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact source of infection, communal spaces like game stores should prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers. Open communication about hygiene practices, regular cleaning routines, and awareness of potential health risks is crucial to prevent the spread of infections.
Conclusion: My experience of contracting MRSA from The Games Keep was disheartening and emphasized the need for better hygiene practices in such communal gaming environments. It's important for both the store's management and the gaming community to work together to ensure a safe and healthy space for everyone.
As a passionate D&D gamer, I sincerely hope that The Games Keep and other game stores learn from this cautionary tale and take proactive steps to improve their sanitation protocols. By doing so, they can continue to provide a haven for gaming enthusiasts while safeguarding their...
Read moreThis place has nearly any currently in print game you could imagine from Agricola to Brew Crafters to The Game to many Carcassonne expansions to many GMT heavy war games. There is so much to look through and parse it's overwhelming truth be told. This place is stuffed to the brim with an excellent selection that would satisfy anyone who walks in.
There is a side room with ~10 tables to play games. I came here at 8pm on a Friday and every table was taken up - I mean that to be a good thing. I saw people playing MTG, Terrforming Mars, Ticket to Ride, and others I wasn't super familiar with. They have a section of games you can take to play there which is great.
My only issue is that the prices are not very competitive with online in some regards. I get it entirely, no one is going to beat $47 for Terraforming Mars on Amazon. The owner prices at MSRP, which is fair, but it's hard to consider Clank! for $50 or $60 I saw it for when it's $42 on Amazon. I'm not entirely sure what the best solution is because I know margins aren't great on board games, but it's worth noting to prospective customers.
I will say that some games were very competitive though. The Carcassonne expansions were all within $1-$2 from online and the newer games were all in-line with online prices.
I didn't try to haggle with the owner on any prices, not sure if he does, but I think that a potential compromise would be to perhaps meet pricing in the middle compared to places like Amazon. I think Brew Crafters was $60, while it's $46 on Amazon. Had it been ~$52 I would have walked out with it.
Again, I understand the struggles of board games and that margins aren't great I want it to be stressed that the games I saw were MSRP, not over MSRP.
Anyway, this is without a doubt the most well stocked board game store I've ever been in. 5 stars with over 200 reviews on Google? Yeah,...
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