Local Comics Store Spotlight: Jetpack Comics
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Jetpack Comics (Part Two)
Everything about the current format of Jetpack Comics shows where its attention lies: on the passions of its customers. It is a store in the midst of growth, having just added 1,200 additional square feet at its newest location. Ralph says there are "mis-matched fixtures, taped together and handwritten signs everywhere." The focus isn't on crafting a corporate image. This is a home and a refuge, unique to anywhere else. Walk in and you can recognize what Ralph's message to customers is without asking: "Come, have fun with us and be a part of our community."
That image shouldn't make you think of this place as being unprofessional or unwelcoming though. To the contrary Ralph has grown his store by growing his customer base, and that begins by making sure everyone feels safe and appreciated when they come inside. Battling the stereotypes of comic stores, like those found on The Simpsons, isn't easy, but Ralph has three key rules that have led to the success of Jetpack Comics.
One: "Make it brighter." Dim is how you describe a basement, Jetpack Comics and other great stores ought to strive to shine a light on comics.
Two: "Neat and organized should be a store's mantra." Ralph pays close attention to every retail store he enters to learn new lessons. Aspire to greatness, not good enough.
Three: "Engage." This is clearly the rule that Ralph values the most. He prides himself on the lessons learned from his wife, a teacher who provides him with an outsider's insight. Listening to him explain customer engagement will remind business majors of significant collegiate lessons. He views everyone who walks in as a potential recurring customer who will recommend the store and knows any bad experience will lead to a repeated bad story. Each customer matters.
This is where Ralph summons the pride of a father too. These rules and the success of Jetpack Comics don't belong to Ralph alone; it's really all about his staff. They are the ones who bring back their own lessons, ideas, and recommendations. They are the ones who keep customers returning. They are the ones who fuel Ralph's passion.
He speaks of them the way a chef might of the secret ingredient that boosted him to fame. No matter how many accolades are provided, he clearly does not believe they are enough. He says, "The one thing that will always make or break a store is a dedicated and selfless staff. Treat them right and they will repay you one hundred fold." They are smart and enthusiastic people who make the shop their home, and transform it into the home of customers as well. Each bookseller sets the tone of Jetpack Comics and it's clearly a tone that comics fans in New Hampshire adore. There's no doubt that for all of the smarts, wisdom, and great choices Ralph has made, his hiring choices tower above all the rest.
Visting Jetpack Comic, you need look no further than Ralph and the staff at Jetpack Comics to understand why comics continue to survive in America. With hustle like this, the hype is bound to follow.
Click ahead to see full details and photos of Jetpack Comics.
prevnextJetpack Comics (Store Info and Photos)
Name: Jetpack Comics
Address: 37 North Main Street
Rochester, NH 03867
Phone: (603) 330-9636
Website: Jetpack Comics
Twitter: @JetpackComics
Facebook: Jetpack Comics