Well that was quick! Just Awesome Games apparently pulled up stakes and vacated the premises at 816 Diamond St. We received this email from reader BP yesterday: "Just curious if you know what happened to them. Their store is cleaned out and a small sign on the door says 'moving to new location'. They have barely been there a year and seemed to be doing well."
And then tonight KM asks: "Their store is empty -- did they close? Move?"
Anyone able to fill in the blanks? Are the moving? Closed? We've sent emails to people in the know but haven't heard.
All of this is surprising given their track record of successful fundraising, 1 year anniversary and sponsorship of Noe Valley Quest. Anyone know where they may have landed? Should we count our $25 donation/loan as forfeit? That $7500 loan is so far only 3% repaid.
[NVSF: In The News: Just Awesome The Board Game Store]
What?! I was just there 2 weekends ago and was chatting with the 2 owners about coming to one of the upcoming after hours nights for adults. They definitely did not give any indication they would be moving or closing shop.
ReplyDeletethat's odd...and a bummer as I also gave them $25 donation through Kiva (or whatever the place is called).
ReplyDeleteI would be pleased to see them move to a spot on the main drag of 24th though.
According to their facebook page, they're relocating, though no mention of where to.
ReplyDeleteReminiscent of the Juice-It! boys suddenly leaving town in the middle of the night a few years ago...
ReplyDeleteDid anyone think their business model would work? A board games only shop completely off the main strip?
ReplyDeleteJust For Fun does great by selling all sorts of things, and they're on the main drag. Just Awesome seemed doomed from the outset.
They were doing very well. The concept is good. The response was tremendous. They are looking for another space in the 'hood. Any tips, email them at justawesomethewebsite.com. Give them your email address if you are interested in finding out where they turn up.
ReplyDeleteVacating the premises without notice, vague status updates from the proprietors? Does anyone really think we'll see these folks again?
ReplyDeleteDo they really need tips to find another space in the hood? They have their pick of empty storefronts on 24th St.
ReplyDeleteUsually, stores don't close down suddenly while looking for a new place to move, though.
There are so many empty storefronts on 24th that it seems unlikely they really are looking to stay in NV. My bet is that they're moving out of the area or just abandoning the idea. It really does suck since I brought friends from the peninsula up here to patronize their shop and support them. I liked the shop, the concept, and the guys that ran it. I would really love to hear their side of things and what their intentions are for the future.
ReplyDeleteDrove past this evening. Completely empty (rent-ready) and they left the blade sign out front. That sign would be usable at another location if that's their intention.
ReplyDeleteThis is totally coincidental, but as it happens the best time to close shop and disappear is after you've taken everyone else's money.
ReplyDeleteBadly done, Just Awesome. Badly done.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the sign currently (9 Oct. afternoon) in the window, if you have an inquiry or need to redeem a gift certificate, you can email them at contact@justawesomeemail.com or follow them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/JustAwesomeTBGS
ReplyDeleteJust Terrible!
ReplyDeleteodd, I'm to teach a Scrabble seminar there Oct 29th...they paid me so folks could take it for free! They just had their bday bash!!!! They are wonderful guys, so I'm sure it is legitimate and they will reappear soon...
ReplyDeleteIt would appear from http://www.justawesomethewebsite.com/hours.html that they're moving to West Portal Avenue.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am glad that they didn't take the money and run, I am very disappointed they chose to leave Noe Valley. It was a fun shop to have within walking distance and I will miss it. I suppose I'll go back to purchasing games at Just for Fun.
ReplyDeleteThe new store is a lot nicer, and, although you have to take the 48 or hike hike hike out there, I am really glad they're back.
ReplyDeleteI understand they really tried to move into a prime 24th Street location, but the landlord flaked out on them. So they can't be blamed, really.