Warhammer — Local services in Brookline

Copy/Pasted from my review of the store on their Facebook page:

I've been darkening the door of Warhammer (Games Workshop) stores since the turn of the century and I can safely say that this is one of the better ones. Second to only the now extinct Battle Bunkers, Warhammer Brookline is an amazing place to hang out and experience the hobby we love. Review Breakdown Size (5 stars): While not a huge store, Warhammer Brookline is able to punch above its weight class by utilizing space efficiently. No, there probably won't be 5 games going on at once but the store can definitely handle 2 or 3 (maybe even 4 if corporate allowed them to utilize the two demo boards). Additionally, there is plenty of space to walk around without feeling claustrophobic. Ambience (5 stars): Let's get the music out of the way. If you've been to a Games Workshop store in the last decade then the music hasn't changed. Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Carribean, and other epic fantasy themes are played over the airwaves to set the mood for the store. Lighting is phenomenal in the store. None of that soft white nonsense that plague some hobby stores. No, Warhammer Brookline sports impressive arrays of bright lights that are daylight (think ~5,000K) colored. This helps with color selection, photography, and just making the place feel alive and welcoming. Stock (4 stars): I've never seen product fly off the shelves so fast. However, a few items could not be found and there were only two copies of each supplied Codex/rulebook. I expected Games Workshop to supply a bit more for the opening though they probably will rectify this by the "Grand Opening" ceremony in a month. Should not be an issue in the future. Game Boards (4 stars): Like all current Warhammer (Games Workshop) stores Warhammer Brookline uses the pre made modular boards the company released a long time ago. The boards are great for instant terrain and are paint to a high enough standard. Furthermore, the terrain supplied is of high quality (it is well painted Games Workshop terrain that can be bought in the store) and adds depth. No 5 star here probably because I grew up in the Battle Bunkers with custom boards with built in rivers and scenic effects. As such generic boards always get dinged in my book. However, the boards here still look amazing and are better than most boards you will find in third party hobby stores. I hope that Warhammer Brookline will seek to increase the variety of boards and terrain in the future. Staff (5 stars): If I could give 10 stars here, I would. The store manager is an amazing guy. Down to earth and not pushy about sales (yeah that's a shocker if the last time you visited a store was back in 2006). There is a general love of the hobby that emenates from him that just creates a welcoming and fun environment not many people can match. In an age where "Customer First" is drowned out by "Profit Margin", the manager (it's a one man show in case you were wondering) goes above and beyond to show that his player base matters. In all honesty, this is perhaps the most important aspect for any store and even more so with a Warhammer store. The company needs more people like the manager of Warhammer Brookline, Adam Pratt, if it hopes to return to its former glory. Overall Rating: 5 stars (I like to round up) - it's FINALLY here, and boy was it...

*Please note this review is during a period of restrictions on retail businesses due to COVID-19

Zach was helpful, knowledgeable and a considerate shopkeeper when I went in to pick up a specific boxed set. I had called ahead for availability and was assured that a box was set aside for when I came in.

When I arrived, the storefront displayed attention to detail even with alterations made to accommodate restrictions due to the pandemic. Only 3 people are allowed in at any time, so 2 customers and a shopkeeper. Zach was very informative, answering questions on the state of the hobby from modeling to game-play. Zach went above and beyond, ensuring that I received a promotional coin when I'd already crossed the street on my way out. I am sure that traffic is down but these days it's revitalizing to be a patron and interact with someone who clearly takes pride in customer service and their business overall.

I am very happy to see that Games Workshop is maintaining its retail presence showing an interest in the long-term customer experience and continuing to establish local hobbyist communities. I hope they match this by supporting their talent long...

I was in town for a convention and was surprised to see a GW store only about 2 miles away! I decided to hike on over and check it out for the novelty of saying I got something from thr Boston store.

I was very pleased to see the employee on duty knew how to treat customers. Normally GW employees are very pushy, don't let up on saying to buy things even for armies I stated I don't play. Not here, the guy (sadly I cannot recall his name) had a very laid back, charming personality and even offered some local food suggestions. I grabbed a Norse team and left wondering why GW doesn't let that guy train their customer...