88 Cardhouse — Local services in Newark

RACISM EXPERIENCED:

My son, a young Black man, recently visited 88 Cardhouse in hopes of diving into the world of Pokémon, a hobby he was genuinely excited to explore. Unfortunately, his experience at your store was anything but welcoming.

From the moment he walked in, he felt scrutinized and disrespected by staff members. As someone new to the Pokémon community, this first encounter was disheartening and left a lasting negative impression. No one should have to feel out of place or unwelcome, especially in a hobby space that should be inclusive and enjoyable for all.

It is worth noting that the store's staff is predominantly Asian, which only further exposes a difficult but important issue within hobbyist spaces: the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) exclusion or bias experienced by people of color. This is not just a customer service failure, it reflects a deeper flaw in how some within the community interact with those who do not look like them.

I strongly urge 88 Cardhouse to reflect on this and take real steps to ensure that your staff is trained to treat all customers with equal respect, regardless of race. Being part of the Pokémon community, or any community, should never come with the burden of fighting through prejudice. Your attention to this matter is not only appreciated, it...

This shop is more than just a place to buy cards—it’s a true community. The staff are welcoming, kind, and always go out of their way to make sure everyone feels included.

FOR THE DISABLED: I suffered a debilitating injury that took away my ability to walk, and I’ve been disabled for over a year. I’ve always felt comfortable and supported here. They make sure I can enjoy the hobby I love without worry—whether it’s giving me my own table at tournaments so I don’t have to struggle with crutches or a scooter, or simply opening the door for me.

That’s why I can say with confidence: It’s obvious the review bombers have never been here. I use the ramp daily with my knee scooter, and it’s always been accessible.

The customer service is top-notch, and the players here feel like family. If you’re looking for a shop that truly cares about people, not just sales, this is it.

Also filled with top level players that are willing to help...

I recently visited this card house and was seriously impressed. Whether you’re into Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, or any other TCG, this place has it all. The space is super clean, organized, and has a really welcoming vibe.

What I loved most was the community feel—players of all ages and levels hanging out, trading, playing, and just having a great time. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable too. They answered all my questions, helped me find some rare cards I was looking for, and even explained a few game mechanics I was unsure about.

They also host events and tournaments, which is awesome if you’re looking to meet new people or just get more into the game. Prices are fair, and the selection is legit—tons of booster packs, singles, sleeves, and more.

Highly recommend if you’re a card collector, casual player, or just looking for a fun place to hang out. I’ll...