J & J Cards & Collectibles — Local services in Waterloo

This is a fun and magical place. There are so many games and toys and collectibles and educational toys, and Lego and Duplo, that it is in your best interest to clear up some time for your visit to J&J. *Also more things I didn't mention like bubble sets, craft kits, paint for collectibles and figurines and models, decals, stickers, paint kits - on and on and on. Having said that, staff is knowledgeable, they know their stuff - they actually answer the phone when you call - and you can get quick assistance, if you were just running in to pick up something quickly. Sections/areas/items are clearly marked, there are replacement pieces available, if you are looking to replace some lost or misplaced Monopoly $$, for example, and if you would like to place an order, staff will happily do that too. This store does not run sales. There was no Black Friday sale, there will be no semi-annual clearance sale, but there is a Clearance section and the prices are competitively aligned so, you're getting a good deal, for your drive out to the "castle" . Yes, it looks like a big blue castle on the outside! :-) *One thing you should know is that the website is constantly being updated, so if there is something you are interested in, it is a good idea to call them, just to make sure. We live in Guelph, just a short drive away, but we go out to the castle semi-regularly, and on our most recent trip, brought a friend with us, who had never been, (someone who enjoys table top and card building games). He was fascinated at the stock, amazed at the selection and happy that we brought him. We had a later appointment to get to, but absolutely would have spent more time there, than the thirty minutes we were actually in the store wandering around "Ooooh-ing" the merchandise. This is a good trip out - but give yourself time to wander...

I've only bought from here online due to the lockdown but they were fast friendly and had what I wanted already in stock. Curbside pick up was smooth safe and friendly

Edit to update post lockdown information

I was finally able to return after lockdown as in store shopping returned. Let's start with what is great about this store: The store is large and has the most impressive collection of games I have seen in KW. In addition to board games the store has an impressive selection of Lego, Playmobile and Children's toys and activities. There is a huge counter featuring Magic and other collector games and an excellent range of Warhammer and D&D minis. The store is also clean and well lit and aisles were clearly marked with directional arrows and wide for a game store. (On an accessibility note those in larger wheelchairs may find the aisles too narrow at times but they were kept clear of clutter and better than most games stores in my experience)

Unfortunately the huge variety of board games is not well organized so do not count on being able to find a particular game without help. The game section is divided into arbitrary categories such as War, Card, 2 Player Sci Fi/Fantasy and New but I found many games in sections that made no sense and the games were not alphabetical within these sections. When I asked about the game organization system the staff joked that "there wasn't one". If you need help go up to the counter and ask for it as in my two trips there no one volunteered to help or checked in with me until I...

Keep your inner child alive, visit J&J’s.

Every so often you find a place that becomes a steadfast family classic. Something that is absolutely perfect, for all the right reasons.

The imperfections are what makes it so perfect. Yes, the parking is tight. Yes, there is more product per cubic foot in this store than most industrial warehouses. Yes, the aisles can get squishy when it’s busy. Yes, the bathroom is down a bit of an odd hallway should it be needed. Yes, the website is not as crispy clean as the big chain stores.

But this is Blue Castle (as affectionately known around our home) and we wouldn’t change a single thing.

It’s all these unique components that make it standout from all the cookie cutter shelved madhouses out there.

Here at J&J’s you are greeted warmly by Jason and Jim personally along with their carefully selected staff. Have a question? You’ll talk to someone that actually knows the product. Well.

Kids will solidify core memories of an elaborate gumball machine.

Adults will realize they’re not as much of a board gamer as they thought they were… yet.

And families will come to cherish Blue Castle. As a place where we buy the things that make friends and family come closer together.

Thank you...