By Anthony Rifilato
"My whole approach was to do something different in town," Gay said.
In July, he opened WOW Entertainment Superstores on North Grand Avenue, which not only caters to the video-game junkie by offering popular games for Playstation 2, XBox and other consoles, but is geared to the hip-hop fan as well. WOW sells CDs, DVDs, cell phones, music and game magazines, as well as sports jerseys, hats and other apparel. It even has video-game consoles where can kids can play the games in the store and a DJ spinning music, Gay's nephew Brandon "DJ B.E.Z." Gay.
"There's a lot of kids in town but the only place to go is the mall," Gay said. After a month in business, he said the feedback has been positive.
"Everybody loves this place," he said. "They think it's cool and really hip."
Gay wasn't the only one who ventured into the video game retail business. Last month, Baldwin resident Rony Luma opened Game Zone at 2438 Grand Avenue near Merrick Road. Like Gay, Luma wanted to do something he enjoyed after working as a project manager for a construction company in New York City. Luma, 35, is a self-described video game lover, who also thought opening the store would be fun for him and his kids.
"I sell things that I play," said Luma. "Kids come in here and talk about games with me."
At Game Zone, Luma sells not only games but Japanese anime DVDs and videos, besides cell phones and beepers. He also has game consoles such as Nintendo Game Cube in the store where kids can test out some of the latest video games before they purchase them.
"I want this to be a hangout for video game fans," Luma said.
Both said that as the music, film, and video game mediums become more synergistic, its important to compete with the large chain stores by offering customers the inspiration for the games, be it a film or music.
"The same kids who buy the games wear the latest clothes and are up to date on the latest trends," said Gay, who noted that he will add footwear in his store as well as DVD rentals.
But while that may be a great marketing strategy, Luma said he has seen it backfire.
"Enter the Matrix," the popular video game inspired by the film, had strong sales but gradually plateaued, Luma said.
"Once you beat the game there's no fun in it," he said.
Both Gay and Luma said that some of the most popular titles are Madden 2004, a football video game, as well as Street Vol. 2, a basketball game. Those games are stronger, they said, because you can utilize different players and teams.
Gay and Luma said that they are not too worried about the competition from each other or the larger chain stores because they are they both unique. Besides, if they ever grow out of touch with the market, both said they can rely on their kids for advice.
"They tell me all about the cool stuff," Gay said.
