Local Game Store moving into old Hibbett’s location

Fun and games are returning to the old Hibbett’s location at Three Star Mall.

A business already at the mall, Local Game Store, is tripling in size and taking the former Hibbett’s spot that’s been empty for nine months.

“The mall is coming back to life,” said Local Game Store owner Garner Loudermilk. “This expansion will allow me to have more tournaments. It will allow me to sell more product, and it will bring more people to the mall.”

Garner says the great thing about his store is it’s all about fun. His new location opens Friday.

Garner has been collecting trading cards since 1994 and has a selection known far and wide. He has more than 100,000 rare Magic the Gathering cards and more than 2 million common and uncommon cards.

Recent customers have traveled from Atlanta and Kentucky.

“When you have an extensive card selection, word gets out,” Garner said.

Pokemon, One Piece, and War Hammer are other popular products.

Local Game Store had outgrown its location two doors down. Garner could accommodate 30 players for tournaments – not nearly enough space.

“It was spilling into the mall,” he said.

There’s seating for 72 at the new spot, and room for moremerchandise, including comics.

“The funny thing is when Hibbett’s went out of business, I joked about moving in there,” said Garner. “Now it’s happening.”

Garner has persevered through challenges. He was operating on Main Street next to City Drug when that business burned and destroyed his store.

More recently, Local Game Store was at Plaza Shopping Center when that property was about to be sold. Knowing rent increases were coming, Garner left Plaza for Three Star Mall. He’s been at the mall 13 months.

Check out Local Game Store at its new location Friday.