Big Planet Comics Bethesda just moved for the second time in 25 years, once again staying within two blocks of its previous location. In fact, it's within fifty feet of its original 1986 location now. Chain founder Joel Pollack showed me the store yesterday, and answered a few questions by email.
Mike Rhode: How come you moved the store?
Joel Pollack: My cute answer is we either had to clean or move. The real answer is we've known for several years that our landlord intended to raze our building to build a 14- (or 17-) story condo. When we were given notice (subsequently rescinded) to vacate at year 2011's end, we realized it was time to go.
Why did you want to stay in the Woodmont triangle?
We briefly considered "North Bethesda" (really south Rockville) near White Flint Metro, but we always preferred the Woodmont Triangle, and were lucky to find a space 100 feet from our original second story location. I couldn't be happier.
What are the advantages of the new store?
Immediately, larger space, cheaper rent. Also, with Fairmont Ave. likely to be a construction mess for the foreseeable future, Cordell Ave.now becomes the per-eminent shopping/dining street in the Triangle.
How was the move?
How many times have you moved the store?
The old location with the proposed condos sign.
This will be the second time - we previously moved from Cordell Ave. in March of 1991.
Will you be participating in Free Comic Book Day on May 5th?
But of course - it's our favorite comics-related event of the year.
What can people expect?
Anything else you'd like to mention?
Everything about the move has been positive, and I'm re-energized for another ten years of comic book sales.
Mike Rhode: How come you moved the store?
Joel Pollack: My cute answer is we either had to clean or move. The real answer is we've known for several years that our landlord intended to raze our building to build a 14- (or 17-) story condo. When we were given notice (subsequently rescinded) to vacate at year 2011's end, we realized it was time to go.
Why did you want to stay in the Woodmont triangle?
We briefly considered "North Bethesda" (really south Rockville) near White Flint Metro, but we always preferred the Woodmont Triangle, and were lucky to find a space 100 feet from our original second story location. I couldn't be happier.
What are the advantages of the new store?
How was the move?
Couldn't have gone better. Agent Tyke Papanicolas greased the wheels, every contractors' promise was fulfilled (special shout-out to Carlos Sanchez who did our build-out), the landlord granted us numerous concessions, and Carlos (not a mover by trade) got us moved with minimal problems. We did the entire move in three days, packing with the help of volunteers and employees on Sunday, moving on Monday, unpacking on Tuesday, and re-opening on Wednesday. Store monkey (his choice of words), Jef Thompson, did at least 70% of the unpacking. I'm convinced I used up any accrued good karma I had.
How many times have you moved the store?
The old location with the proposed condos sign.Will you be participating in Free Comic Book Day on May 5th?
What can people expect?
We will again have our kid's packs - a pre-pack of at least ten comics. Also, a nice variety of freebies for the so-called grown-ups. And another specially imprinted DC Comics sampler, with a terrific coupon, guaranteed to save customers money.
Anything else you'd like to mention?
Everything about the move has been positive, and I'm re-energized for another ten years of comic book sales.
nice blog post here.
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