Local Comics Store Spotlight: Casablanca Comics
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Casablanca Comics (Part Two)
The focus at Casablanca Comics has not changed over 30 years of business. "Our goal from the beginning of our store in 1987 was to share the wealth of comic book material available with a wider audience" says Lowell. Where other shops centered on collectors and speculators during the boom of the 1990s, Casablanca continued to seek out new readers. That may have seemed foolish when holographic covers were selling faster than hotcakes, but has paid dividends in the past couple of decades.
That success has led Lowell to reconsidering the store as a comics shop. He mentions that they are really a "specialty book store" based on the audiences that frequent their locations. Their emphasis has always been on comics, but the audiences and interests vary wildly from the standard American comic book store. "We have many families who shop with us due to our selection of all ages material" says Lowell. Parents can discover a thriller to keep them entertained after the kids' fall asleep reading Bone.
Lowell also notes that there has been a strong shift away from the "Wednesday Warriors" who are the lifeblood of many other stores. While there are still fans who show up on a weekly basis prepared to snag the newest installments of their favorite adventures, decentralizing this experience has benefited the Casablanca Comics. People come to Casablanca like they would any other bookstore, looking to load up on collections for gifts and a stack for their own nightstand. That doesn't mean the classic image of comics buyers has passed though. The shop has seen a resurgence in collectors and is sure to include many vintage issue for these fans, as well.
No matter how the audience has changed or grown, Casablanca Comics has always been interested in helping whoever wants to read comics. It doesn't matter whether a family or superfan walks through the door, whether it's a collector or newcomer, the staff at Casablanca are there to help. Lowell is adamant when he says, "Everyone should feel welcome and comfortable in your store."
That is a philosophy that has served Casablanca Comics well over 30 years and many locations. They have always focused on helping comics readers first, with no concern as to how long that person has been reading. It's possible for any resident of Maine (or visitor to the state) to come inside and find a helpful smile and great new adventure. While there have been a lot of changes over their time in business, the character of the store has remained consistent. Whether it's in an old barber shop or a snazzy new outlet, Casablanca Comics has always been there to help show that comics are for everyone.
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Store Info
Name: Casablanca Comics
Address: 151 Middle Street #2
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 780-1676
Website: Casablanca Comics
Twitter: @CasablancaComic
Facebook: Casablanca Comics