Curio Cavern (Loisdale Rd) — Local services in Springfield

I have been an on and off customer of Curio Cavern for well over a decade. In that time I’ve watched them grow from a humble storefront to multiple locations in the National Capital Region (NCR). That’s indicative of the owner’s business savvy and a loyal customer base.

I have mixed feelings about this store, some lovely experiences and some frustrating. I think a good place to start is to highlight the positives:

-Product Offerings: Curio has hands down the best inventory of Magic the Gathering cards in the NCR. They carry a wide selection of cards across the game’s expansive catalog. If you’re looking for something to slot into a deck on the fly or need the seed cards for an EDH deck then Curio is the best place for sure. At its heart Curio is a card shop and they offer other popular TCGs such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Flesh and Blood, etc. They also carry a decent selection of board games and a modest inventory of tabletop models and supplies for Warhammer, Stars Wars X-Wing, Dungeons and Dragons, etc. They carry a wide variety of game accessories as well. Overall, their selection of products are excellent.

Local Community: I have never played in store at Curio, but I’ve observed a packed house on weekends and even some weekdays depending on the event schedule. They maintain a robust local tournament scene for many games and Dungeons and Dragons groups. Folks are overwhelmingly jovial and I’ve noticed lots of little groups of friends sitting casually together. It seems like a welcoming environment. So if you’re new to the area or looking for some new friends, then Curio is a good place to start.

Retail Space: The Loisdale road location has expanded quite a bit and their open gaming area is impressive. Lots of tables and space to spread out. Their new location in Centreville is a little tight but still ample enough. Not sure about the Springfield Mall location.

Prices: Competitive with other local retailers and very fair. For the most part their prices are in line or lower than the online TCG titans such as Starcity, TCGPlayer, and Card Kingdom. I’ve never walked away feeling salty about the amount I pay for their products.

So lots of good points about Curio. It’s a wonderful place to buy cards, try a new game, or find some friendly faces. The only thing that is uneven (in my experience) is customer service. I’ve been helped by some very friendly associates that made the experience quite pleasant, and then I’ve been helped by some who were sarcastic, condescending, and rude (just at the Loisdale road location, I’ve had no issues at Centreville). Some of those experiences left me feeling a little uncomfortable and hurt. These experiences have ranged from eye rolls when I’ve asked questions about products; condescending remarks when no one previously explained a store policy; and waiting extended periods for help even during off peak hours. This hasn’t happened every time mind you, hence why I’ve continued to patron the store over the years. It’s just over time it’s weakened my resolve to shop there.

Ultimately, Curio is a shining example of an American business success story. I’ve been helped by the owner a few times over the years and he’s an affable fellow and I wish him continued success. I don’t know if I will patron the store again, I’ve gone back and forth so many times over the years. I’ve just had one too many poor customer service experiences. That’s just me though, and it’s perfectly plausible you’ll have a different experience.

Overall: Even though I’ve had some negative experiences there, they still deserve 4 Stars for their impressive inventory, competitive prices, and local community. Curio is a wonderful local game shop and I encourage you to give them a try. If it doesn’t meet your needs, then there’s always Victory Comics, Dreamwizards, Labyrinth Games, or Dice City Games. Though based on their loyal following, I’m sure it will be a good match for you....

This is the single worst experience I've ever had at a store of any kind. I needed about 30 cards for 2 different decks (5 for one and 25 for the other), and didn't have time to wait for shipping on online orders. So I drove about and 3 hours (1.5 there and 1.5 back). Once I got there I was told I could only the limit on purchasing singles was 5 cards, but they were willing to go up to 10. Never would I have bothered if I had known this ahead of time, but on what planet would I have ever thought that the card store that sells singles would refuse to sell me singles. So I settled for the 5 cards that would finish off my other deck. After about 10 minutes the guy behind told me he didn't have any of the 5 cards I needed. I then had to point out to him that 2 of the cards on the list were right in front of us in the case. At that point I was completely done with this clown show and wasn't willing to give them a penny of my money and left. Don't waste your time with this place, They are either unwilling to or unable to sell you any of their stock. I wasted 3 hours of my day for nothing just to end up buying it cardkingdom any way. Lucky for they don't have a 5 card limit.

Edit to response.

What a tone deaf response this is. But your right, I did make the wild assumption that the card store would sell cards. why wouldn't I think to double check such a thing. But yes you are telling people they cant buy stuff after they get to your store, that's the main part of the problem I'm complaining about and warning other people for. Also I was perfectly willing wait for how ever long took to buy cards, but the response wasn't "Were willing to get these when we have time to work on it" or "It might take us an hour to get these for you while we handle other stuff" it was "were only allowed to sell you 5 cards" . I also see your just going to ignore the fact the your were unable to find any of the product that you were actually willing to sell despite that fact that it was sitting in the case. Also, perfectly fair to compare you to cardkingdom, a company that is actually willing to well actually sell you the stuff your looking for. So if you don't like the 1 rating, feel free to explain what rating a company deserves when they flat out refuse to and are completely unable to...

Customer Service: Curio Cavern stands out for its exceptional customer service, and much of this can be attributed to Rod, who has been a cornerstone of the store. His welcoming and friendly demeanor creates an inviting atmosphere for both new and returning customers. Rod's dedication to providing top-notch service is evident from the moment you walk into the store.

Tournament Organization: Rod is also the Tournament Organizer for several popular trading card games, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball, and One Piece. His expertise in organizing these events ensures they run smoothly and are enjoyable for all participants. These tournaments are well-structured and competitive, yet they maintain a friendly and inclusive environment that encourages participation from players of all skill levels.

Introduction to New Games: One of Rod's standout qualities is his ability to introduce new players to the Dragon Ball Fusion World game. He not only explains the game's mechanics clearly but also provides new players with opportunities to acquire products and participate in friendly competitive formats. This approach helps build a strong community of players who are eager to return for more.

Knowledge and Fair Trading: Rod's extensive knowledge of trading card games (TCGs) and their market values makes trading in high-valued cards a breeze. He offers fair store credit in return, ensuring that customers feel satisfied with their trades. His expertise provides customers with confidence and trust in the trading process.

Overall Experience: In summary, Curio Cavern at Springfield Mall, with Rod's exceptional customer service and organizational skills, is a haven for TCG enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of trading card games, Rod's welcoming nature, extensive knowledge, and commitment to fostering a friendly competitive environment make Curio Cavern a must-visit. The store's vibrant community and well-run tournaments keep players coming back, making it a staple in the...