MIND GAMES LLC

While in Columbia mall, I made the stop in this amazing store. Because I am on the creative side and love LEGO and 3D puzzles, I fell in love the minute I walked in the store. There are so many DIY 3D options to build. If you are a puzzle person ~ it’s a must visit!!

I don't usually leave negative reviews, but after experiencing the exact same behaviour twice, months apart, I feel it's warranted. I live about two hours away, and whenever family visit from Europe, I like taking them to places around Maryland. On both occasions, we visited Mind Games because of their fantastic Funko Pop selection. The employees on the shop floor have always been lovely, friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, that's where the positive experience ends. Our first visit was in November 2025. When we reached the checkout counter, there was an older gentleman (who appeared to be the owner or manager) training a new employee. The new hire was polite, but the older gentleman's attitude towards us was bizarrely cold and hostile for absolutely no reason. Before it was our turn, he was happily chatting away with other customers. The moment we stepped up, it was as if we'd personally offended him. No greeting, no courtesy, just an unpleasant attitude. What he was interested in, however, was making sure we signed up for the membership program. Funny how that seemed to matter far more than the customer service he was providing. Then, the second the payment went through, it was like someone flicked a switch. Suddenly he wanted to make small talk and be friendly. It was odd, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and assumed he was simply overwhelmed because he was training someone. Fast forward to yesterday, and I realized that wasn't the case at all. More family had come over from Europe and wanted to browse Funko Pops. We also noticed some NeeDohs displayed behind the counter. The same older gentleman was arranging them in the display case. He asked which ones we were interested in, so one of my adult family members simply pointed towards the ones sitting on the counter. The way he reacted was genuinely shocking. He spoke to us as though we were children caught trying to steal something. Over a $10 stress ball, one you've jacked the price up on, by the way. He was standing right there, with the items literally in his hands, yet somehow managed to make a perfectly innocent gesture feel like we'd committed a crime. It was humiliating. Imagine bringing family halfway across the world, telling them how friendly Americans are, only for them to be publicly spoken down to over a toy. The embarrassment on their faces said everything. We'd spent days visiting shops and businesses where people couldn't have been kinder, only for this to be the interaction they remembered most. So, after that awkward exchange, I simply asked my family what they wanted and relayed it to him myself to avoid any further confrontation. And then, just like during our visit last year, the second he saw us paying... THE PERSONALITY TRANSPLANT HAPPENED. Suddenly he wanted to make conversation. Suddenly he was smiling. Suddenly he was friendly. And, once again, he was more than happy to ask us about signing up for the membership program. I'm sorry, but customer service doesn't start after you've taken someone's money. I don't know whether he assumes younger-looking customers deserve less respect or what the issue is, and I won't speculate beyond my own experience. What I do know is that this happened twice, months apart, and the common denominator wasn't us, it was him. It's a shame because the shop itself has a fantastic selection, and the staff on the floor are genuinely lovely. But one consistently rude interaction at the checkout counter is enough to overshadow all of that, especially after driving two hours to support the business. Basic courtesy costs nothing. Customers deserve to feel welcome from the moment they approach the counter, not only after they've opened their wallets. After two identical experiences, I won't be making a third trip.

Great selection of games and puzzles. Had a great conversation with a staff member. I should have gotten the name. Worked on Monday May 4th and huge props to them.

I recently bought an Axis and Allies game that the manager swore was just like the original and that it was totally compatible with it. So I bought the game solely on his recommendation. However, after trying to play the game with my son for a couple of hours and then looking on forums and websites for help, we found out it is by far the most complicated version and is NOT in fact compatible with the original! So I called the store and explained it all, and they told me to bring it back saying "we'll work something out for you". But when I came in, the same manager that sold me on the game refused to take it back under any circumstances. He clearly wanted to get rid of that game and lied to me just to make a sale. Very unethical. Not ever going to that store again.

Stopped by over the weekend to purchase a couple of things. There was a long line which is fine. Its a holiday. There was this older somewhat balding guy working. Skinny old guy. Seemed to be a manager or owner possibly. The way this guy was talking to customers and people in the store made my blood boil. A mix between talking to people like they was children and a 'privilege' tone. Talked to children and adults the same way. Came into the store in a good mood, the vibes of one guy had me leaving feeling annoyed. But hey he talked to his 'own' in a great manner.