How to Build a TCG Store, Part 4: The Remodel Begins
Last time we updated this series, we had just signed our lease and gotten city approval for our renovation plans.
Now those renovations are officially underway.
In its previous life, our retail space was a preschool, complete with bright walls, kid-sized cabinetry, and the type of “character” that children bring. Step by step, that space is being stripped down, smoothed out, and rebuilt into what we hope becomes the friendliest and best-run TCG store in North Texas.
Decisions & Wins
One of the first major design choices was flooring. We knew we wanted wood but had to decide on the shade.
After considering the aesthetic, practical, and personal, all signs pointed to dark wood:
- Dark flooring looks more premium in person and on camera
- It reduces glare from overhead lighting
- It avoids weird color casting in product photos
- It pairs naturally with our brand palette
- And honestly, it should hide scuffs, dust, and chair-dragging far better than anything light
Retail floors take a beating. We’re building this space to look good, but also to survive.
Paint colors were the next big decision. No murals or complicated design here – just a primary wall color, with a single accent wall. We let our instincts for the accent wall guide us: a deep, forest green. It brings depth, pairs beautifully with dark wood, and sets the mood we want without being loud.
Deciding on the primary wall color took a little longer. We knew plain white would be too bright and clinical, so we narrowed it down to warmer neutrals. After going back and forth, we landed on a “greige” – a new color for me and definitely thought it was a typo at first – with warm brown undertones. Thematically, we're channeling stone and earth.
The Window Display Is Built
We’re decidedly mid-remodel, but we’ve already had a few big pieces fall into place. For one, the carpentry work for our store window display is complete. We definitely envisioned a proper display window when we imagined our storefront. Built to show off our product and give us room for seasonal displays and promoting new sets. Now we're one big step closer – what was once a plain window is now a posh, closed-back window display.
The good news is, our space has a lot of windows, so closing off the light for one display won’t be a problem. We actually have a whole wall of windows on one side and love it. Perfect for our in-person gaming area, and what’s better, the windows are all facing east, so we won’t have to worry about those late day heat waves sweating us out inside.
The Awning Is In
Another tangible win: the exterior awning is installed.
We chose a deep forest green (matching the accent wall) and it immediately changed the vibe. That one addition made our store go from a sharp looking brownstone to a real storefront.
Our Current Conundrum: The Sign
We genuinely did not expect this part to be so complicated.
How big should the sign be? Too small and it won’t be visible from the main drag, but we don’t want it to be garish either. How about the logo – should that go on the sign? If so, do we integrate it our text or keep it separate? What about after dark – shouldn’t the sign be illuminated too? How about a signboard versus individually cut letters? Lastly, how much is this going to cost?!
What we thought would be a quick to-do has turned into an entire project.
But that’s the story of this remodel and life in general: every part turns out to be more than you’d expect.
What's Next
Immediately: finishing painting, installing shelving, ordering tables and chairs, and building out the counter. The pieces are coming together, and the finish line is in sight. Stay tuned for the next update as we get closer and closer to opening day.