Hobby Shop of the Year 2024
We're excited to announce TCGplayer's Hobby Shop of the Year — an opportunity to celebrate the heart of our trading card game community: local game stores. These shops are more than just places to buy and sell; they play a pivotal role in creating a thriving, connected community of collectors, players, and enthusiasts. TCGplayer is proud to partner with these small businesses, helping them grow and supporting their local communities.
Through the Hobby Shop of the Year campaign, we want to recognize and reward the shops that have gone above and beyond to support both their customers and our industry.
By applying for Hobby Shop of the Year, you have the opportunity to gain exposure in the TCG community and a chance to win robust prizes that aim to boost your business and recognize your achievements within the community.
Qualifying Criteria
To be considered for Hobby Shop of the Year, applicants must:
- Operate a physical retail location in the United States.
- Be a TCGplayer seller in good standing, whether through the Marketplace, BinderPOS, or Roca.
- Show a meaningful impact on the community — either locally or in the larger TCG world.
Applying to TCGplayer's Hobby Shop of the Year you are agreeing to be featured on TCGplayer's website and marketing materials as part of this campaign. Only one application per store.
Applications are now closed.
Check back next year for your chance to win Hobby Shop of the Year.
Prizes for Hobby Shop of the Year
The 3 Hobby Shop of the Year finalists will win a prize package and be invited to our Award Ceremony in Louisville, KY at the GAMA Expo. Prize packages are designed to boost your business and celebrate your success within the TCG community. Prizes include:
- Waived Marketplace Fees: Enjoy partially waived fees on the TCGplayer Marketplace for a limited time, giving your store extra financial flexibility.
- Exclusive Swag Pack: Receive branded TCGplayer merchandise to share with your team and customers.
- Custom Store Banner: Show off your achievement with a Hobby Shop of the Year banner to proudly display in-store.
- Digital Marketing Kit: Boost your online presence with a comprehensive digital kit that includes graphics and promotional materials.
- 1:1 Seller Growth Sessions: Get personalized seller growth consultations from TCGplayer experts to help your business succeed.
- Store Credit for Your Customers: Receive store credit from TCGplayer to offer to your loyal customers, keeping them coming back for more.
- Sponsored Game Night: Host an unforgettable, TCGplayer-sponsored game night at your shop, creating a fun and engaging experience for your community.
- Hobby Shop of the Year Award Trophy: Be recognized with a trophy that represents your dedication to the TCG world and your customers.
- Travel Expenses to GAMA Expo: We'll cover a portion of your travel costs to the GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY, where you'll be honored as one of the top hobby shops in the industry.
How It Works
Submit your application before the deadline.
Starting on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024, the community will have the chance to vote for their favorite hobby shops.
Between December 2024 and February 2025, nominated hobby shops will be highlighted on our landing page.
By February 2, 2025, we'll announce three finalists based on qualifications, community votes, and TCGplayer review.
The finalists will be invited to the GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY, from February 25-27, where TCGplayer will honor them at our annual GAMA Seller Gathering. The winner will be announced at the event.
The top three finalists will each win a TCGplayer-sponsored game night and incredible prize packages. The grand prize winner will also receive an upgraded package, which includes partially waived marketplace fees and store credit.
Hobby Shop of the Year FAQ
What is Hobby Shop of the Year?
The Hobby Shop of the Year is a campaign by TCGplayer designed to celebrate and recognize local game stores that play a crucial role in the trading card game community. This initiative aims to honor shops that go above and beyond in supporting their customers and fostering a vibrant community of collectors, players, and enthusiasts.
How do I qualify?
To qualify for the Hobby Shop of the Year, your shop must operate a physical retail location in the United States and be a TCGplayer seller in good standing, whether through the Marketplace, BinderPOS, or Roca. Additionally, you must demonstrate a meaningful impact on the community, either locally or within the larger trading card game world, and agree to be featured on TCGplayer's website and marketing materials as part of the campaign.
How do I win?
To win the Hobby Shop of the Year, shops must submit their applications before the deadline. The community will vote for their favorite shops starting on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024. The top three finalists will be selected based on these votes and TCGplayer's review, and the winner will be announced at the GAMA Expo in February 2025.
What are the prizes?
The winning Hobby Shop of the Year will receive a prize package that includes partially waived marketplace fees on the TCGplayer Marketplace, an exclusive swag pack with branded merchandise, a custom store banner, a digital marketing kit to enhance their online presence, personalized seller growth consultations from TCGplayer experts, store credit from TCGplayer for their customers, a TCGplayer-sponsored game night at their shop, a trophy recognizing their achievement, and coverage of a portion of travel expenses to the GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY, where they will be honored.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications will close Friday, December 13.