NUTMEG GAMES

HOLY SCALPER! No worse than scalper. They are asking for close to triple msrp. 3 packs for $50 and no not vintage or stuff they stopped printing a $15 pack for $50. 2 pack mini tins for $30 like what. Some of the WORST prices I’ve ever seen. Don’t shop here go anywhere else go online go anywhere.

First and last time at this store. I’m all for supporting local game stores, but their prices are absolutely ridiculous. For example, they charged $35 for entry to a Lorcana set championship, whereas Goblins right down the road charged $10. Additionally, all of their in store product is basically being sold at scalper prices. For example, the Pokemon First Partner Illustration Collection has a retail MSRP of $14.99, but they were charging $60. They will try to justify it every which way, but they are just taking advantage of their customers. Avoid!!

I used to be a frequent customer here, but unfortunately I won’t be returning after my experience this week. I stopped in on Friday planning to purchase a full collector box of Magic: The Gathering cards (a large buy). During checkout the employee realized she had quoted me the wrong price, which wasn’t a big deal. While we were talking, she told me the store would be running a 20% off sale the next day (Saturday) but that it wouldn’t be advertised ahead of time because of a Pokémon prerelease event. I specifically asked her two things before leaving: If the entire store would be part of the sale, including the collector box If I’d be able to buy Pokémon cards, since they’re usually hard to find She confirmed both and suggested I arrive early. The store opened at noon, so I showed up at 11:15 and was first in line. When the manager opened the store, he told me that collector boxes don’t qualify for the sale because they already have a bulk price, making the trip pointless. He also said Pokémon products were only available to people participating in the prerelease event, which had already sold out. So after making a special trip based on what I was told by staff, I left empty-handed. This was a potential purchase of several hundred dollars, and prices here are already higher than what you can find online for less quantity. I try to support local game stores whenever possible, but after this experience I’ll be buying from TCGPlayer instead. Please make sure staff are communicating accurate information to customers.

I'll preface this by saying this. I moved to New Milford in July of 2023, and was incredibly happy to see a LGS! It's something that I dreamed of having nearby as a kid. After settling in I visited the shop with my daughter and spoke to some amazing staff, we grabbed a My Hero Academia monopoly and I asked about some Pokemon cards. The cards were priced at MSRP and I commented that market had them lower, but with that said I completely understood. It's hard for a LGS to stay afloat, and even with prices online being cheaper and Walmart next door having inventory and sales. I would much rather support a local business and help it remain a staple in our town, (i've seen a lot of businesses close in the town in the last two years Five Guys quickly comes to mind). So I paid MSRP happily. Fast forward to surging sparks we didn't make it in for the pre-release event, but stopped by a few days after. I attempted to purchase a case of build and battle boxes for a birthday party, but at first was confronted by an employee who said they wouldn't allow me to buy the case because I was likely a scalper. A bit embarrassing having my daughter with me and hearing that exchange. but luckily another employee pointed out that I frequented the store all the time for accessories, dice, sleeves, cards, etc. Again although a bit embarrassed, mistakes happen and we made our way. (pictures of us having a party that night ripping packs posted) I'd visit through out the next few months buying ETB's and bundles at MSRP despite the constant Target and Walmart sales through the holidays, I mention this again because I want to emphasize that I harp on my kids that it is always better to support independent businesses over corporations, especially a place like Nutmeg Games. When prismatic evolutions was announced we asked the store about pre-orders and heard that nothing was planned. But to be at the store at opening and we would probably be able to grab something. Fast forward to release date. I'm out of town and advise my wife to stop by and pick up an ETB and Binder for the kiddo and myself only to be told that they had them on sale for $199.99.... I checked online and saw that it was well above MSRP and even above market. Thinking it was a mistake I stopped in with my daughter later that weekend and asked. I was told $199.99. I wasn't told that being a VIP would get me access at MSRP and quite frankly I shouldn't have to spend an extra $50 dollars. But again I get it the markets hot and independent LGS should profit, but in a small town like this it leaves a sour taste in peoples mouths. These days, I don't visit as often as I used to. I've stopped in a couple of times since January. To buy singles each time. But in all of this the biggest disappoint, what bothered me the most, was hearing my six year old say "We should have pre-ordered online when we had the chance." Yes this is a long winded review because I wanted to be thorough and point out that this isn't a bad shop. But I think the current Pokemon market made it forget that it's a staple in the community and alot of us were proud to have it in town. The vibe has shifted, the polite conversations don't feel as genuine when you see $70 dollar tins behind the register. And this isn't Nutmeg's fault it's pokemons, but the way it was all handled rests entirely on Nutmeg Games. Many would stop in regardless if things were priced at MSRP when the market was slow. I hope that folks put this behind them and return once the bubble bursts. Again the folks are great, the owner is great, but I believe the recent releases haven't been handled well. I also saw the owner mentioning the prices were to scare away scalpers, You could have unsealed the ETB's at the point of sales, alot of us wouldn't have cared.

Nutmeg has everything I look for in a game store. I’ve been playing Magic since 1995, it was just before the internet or cell phones. I relied on display cases to learn about cards I haven’t encountered yet. So I always judge a store on its selection, price and knowledge. That will get you your 1st 3 stars. Nutmeg earns its fourth by being bright and clean, and its 5th by being friendly and welcoming.