Hills of Comics — Local services in Auburn

This place makes me sad for a few reasons. It's got a great location. It's in a nice quaint shopping area. It's got nice parking. It's even large. Has a lot going for it that other game and comics stores don't.

I've been there on two different occasions. Once was little after they moved. The other was a couple of months later.

The downside is they don't take advantage of that. I've called a couple of times before events and I've gotten bad info.

On my first visit, I was greeted by a guy that was not dressed appropriately for working at a retail establishment. I've run a game store previously for a long time (16 years) and I would've sent my staff home for showing up dressed like that.

Their cases are displayed in an odd way. Like merchandise isn't located next to other like or themed merchandise which can make it weird or difficult to find what you're looking for.

Their layout is a little odd and needs more thought. They really can't see customers or a large chunk of their merchandise the way it's setup. It leads to their customers being lost int he shuffle and consequently ignored.

Choices they've made in their layout is weird. Some products people would want to see and read or behind the counter while others that are in arms reach or inconsequential.

They could also benefit from some better signage and price stickers. It's a big store that should be drawing well, but it genuinely feels like not enough thought was put in.

On my second visit, I also witnessed the staff ignore, or simply not aware, of a situation that was escalating between two customers. Then once it blew up, one customer that was angry and shouting said his piece and walked away, but then the lady in charge (either owner or manager), went over and threatened a customer, which is HIGHLY unacceptable.

Personally, I'd love to give a store like this some input to coach them up and help them be a much better store, but I'm not sure they'd be willing to reach out or even care enough to make change.

I imagine this review makes the store sound much worse than it is, but really this store just needs someone to walk through several small things that the ownership isn't aware of.

I'd also recommend they tour quality store in the greater Seattle area to see what can be done and...

Overall: Just drive to Shane's. It's worth any extra drive.

The experience is very mediocre. The shop, while large and filled with various things, does not have a specific strong points. Collectible games and systems are priced high. They also carry various WoTC related materials, gaming supplies, and a selection of comics.

Their selection of MTG singles and sealed products pales in comparison to local competitors, and prices are based off of Star City Games. While SCG can get away with higher prices due to premium service quality and eastern event coverage, the experience at Hills does not warrant the higher prices.

Bulk rares are not organized well if at all. Wolf is very unprofessional, but willing to help. Lack of staff seems to spread him thin, as it took over half an hour for my less than ten cards to be pulled, with me having to search through bulk to try and find one myself. The tournament that was going on didn't even have seatings printed, but were called out verbally via microphone, which was very disruptive.

For any Magic the Gathering, D&D, Dice, or other hobbies, I would recommend literally any other store for a better experience, even if it is a farther drive. The alternatives are so much better, that I will drive 15-20 min out of my way to Shane's or Wizard Keep and be much happier rather than go to my...

This comic shop has some great key books, and an excellent selection of back-issues. The problem is...most are priced at 200% FMV, at least.

GL, Volume 3 generic back-issues for $10, each?

A Fine- Batman 366 for $80?

A VG+ Batman #400 for $40?

Maybe I just don't get West Coast pricing...but as awesome as this place is, it's just not worth the time, given how obscenely over-priced their books are.

A great place to see some awesome comics. NOT a place to buy, though.

UPDATE:

Went back, two days later. Picked out a stack of books, and did the homework to find FMV for everything (Covrprice, Overstreet, and MCS). Brought them to the counter, and asked the gentleman to check for current pricing. He went immediately to ebay, looking at NM prices. The books I had selected were not NM condition. Maybe Fine+ or VF.

His offer to me was still almost 180% of FMV. I declined, and left.

Again....great selection of comics. Just WAY overpriced.

UPDATE #2:

I found myself back out here, a year after my first crack at it, and thought I'd take another look.

While the location has changed...the astronomical pricing has not. $2 back-issues are priced at $10, each.

Minor key books are marked up 100% of FMV.

This place is a waste of time, unless you hate your money and want to...