We drove to this store from Mt. Pleasant so a specific DnD book could be purchased. We wanted,…read moreespecially in current times, to support a small, local business instead over a large, national chain store (where we could have very easily obtained the book with much less driving.) While this type of store is not something I personally would seek out (full disclosure: I went because my partner wanted to), I was immediately hooked when I walked in. I loved the stickers and signs I saw on the windows and door before even walking in. I was ecstatic to see the store highlighting the work of Black/African-American comic-book writers and characters at the front of the store. The game and book options were seemingly endless, even for someone like me who doesn't know a whole lot. And, prior to driving out there, we called just to make sure the certain books were in stock. An employee answered the phone, well before store open, and kindly checked the store in order to best answer our question(s). Both prior to entering and even while in there, the customer service was great. Under normal circumstances, I think I would rate this store a 5/5.
I struggle to write this review without mentioning safety cautions, which are important for me at this time for myriad reasons. I've debated whether I should mention these things in these types of reviews (maybe that's a conversation for a different time), and I'm willing to remove or edit when it is no longer relevant. However, what bothered me, a lot, actually, was the lack of social distancing precautions taking place within the store. No employees were wearing masks and only half of the customers in the main area of the store were wearing masks. The store still had their separate section (a room that is attached, but separated from the main store) operating for game time, and at least 10 young adults (~20s) were there eating snacks and playing games. While I only quickly peeked inside (before realizing it wasn't part of the store), I saw only one person sitting at a table playing games wearing a thin mask. As a health scientist and health-cautious individual, this bothersome to me for various reasons, with one of them being my comfortability with leaving the house, especially for non essential items, is not high. When I do go somewhere, however, I expect and hope that places are at least follow minimum recommended CDC guidelines. Because they were totally lacking at Green Dragon this weekend, my partner and I purchased his book and quickly left as fast as possible. We talked about this the entire car ride home - wondering why this was the case? Why aren't the employees concerned for themselves? Or their customers? How should I rate the review because of it?Perhaps most disappointedly, we discussed how under other circumstances, we would have been in that store for at LEAST an hour, and probably longer, looking and likely purchasing way too many games and books for ourselves, our family, and friends.
Because this is so important to me, I've decided to rate 3 stars and cut the difference, while being fully transparent in explaining my reasoning. My initial reaction was to rate 1 star altogether because of this, frankly because I find it so unacceptable and astonishing, but I want to try my best to also be balanced and fair, to a degree, realizing that if we all weren't facing these unprecedented times, my impression of the place wouldn't be close to what it is. My plan is that following the pandemic, I hope to return. When I do, I am certain I will change my review to 4 or 5 stars.
