The Common Room — Local services in Bloomington

When my 6-year-old son and I went into the Common Room years ago, we brought in a few games we had bought elsewhere (we only owned 4-5 games at the time) and a kind employee there — Oz, I believe — taught us how to play them when he had the time. We bought a yearly subscription and went a few times. One day after spending a few hours in the store we left and had already gotten in the car when Phil came running out and knocked on my window. I was startled and confused. He said I’ve noticed you here a few times but you always bring outside games; I’d really prefer if you bought your games here. I was annoyed he didn’t talk to me when I was in the store and chose instead to confront me so awkwardly and didn’t return to the store again.

I recently moved back and decided to drop by. I’m now a seasoned gamer with a large collection who frequently buys new and used games. I was hoping to talk to Phil to clear the air then patronize the store. A new start was not in the cards: He was unapologetic saying he had a very different memory of the incident. He said I had a bad attitude and acted entitled at the time. I’m not sure what he means. Oz taught us 2 or 3 games but only when he had the time. I never demanded anything of him or anyone else. Is was/is commonplace for customers to bring their own games to the store and nothing is said. Maybe my experience is unique; I don’t know. The bottom line is: I was made to feel unwelcome in the Common Room and therefore wouldn’t recommend it...

I had expectations going in. I just moved here and my expectations were based on the game store I frequented from my home town. I was not able to find citadel paints, themed ultrapro card sleeves or war hammer anything. They did have other paints but I am used to citadel product and don’t want to risk changing to a paint colors/consistency I don’t know. They had other cards sleeves but nothing MTG themed and no others that interested me. Not a lot of premade MTG deck options either. Was not able to purchase singles of the planeswalker I wanted because they did not have them. Was not offered the option to order anything when nothing I asked about was in store, so not sure if that’s an option, maybe it is? But I was too let down to ask. The back half of the store was empty and walled off with tables. Maybe that’s the area they set up for table top games? Not sure. But today the tables were blocking the back half of the store from acess. It was empty so not a lot to access in the first place but aesthetically it looked weird/uninviting. It’s possible with covid they’ve had to cut stock? I had preexisting expectations and I was disappointed. This may not be the same for others.

Update: 9/27/23 They have more inventory stock, I was able to buy citadel paints and people were actually playing...

My girlfriend and I both love this store. The staff here are friendly and somehow remember my name even after I haven't stopped by in months. The board game selection was described to me as "curated," and that seems accurate to me. There was a good selection of a lot of excellent games, and the staff were able to suggest multiple games based on the types of gameplay that I like. When games aren't in stock, they order them for me.

The Common Room also has a large library of board games that you can play for a small daily or yearly library access fee ($5/$25). It's a great way to try out games before committing to buying them. The store has several tables that you can sit and play games at, and there are even two rooms that can be reserved for...