Choosing the right board games for your store or business is essential for maintaining strong sales and keeping customers coming back for more.
With an ever-expanding variety of released games, it can be challenging to identify the titles that will sell well and provide a great customer experience. This guide will take you through the steps of selecting the best-selling board games for your business, from understanding your audience to exploring the latest trends and resources to help you make informed decisions.
What board games shall I choose for my customer audience?
The first step to selecting the right board games for your business is understanding who your customers are. Are you catering to families looking for fun activities or passionate gamers seeking more profound, strategic gameplay? Knowing your target audience will allow you to stock games that suit their tastes, whether they are newcomers to the hobby or seasoned players.
For instance, family-friendly games, such as co-operative or light-hearted board games, often perform well in stores with a family-focused audience. On the other hand, games that challenge players with complex mechanics, such as strategic board games, may appeal to dedicated enthusiasts.
When you want to stay ahead of trends and keep your stock fresh, consider checking out new releases that align with your audience's needs. This section will help you stay informed about the latest and most exciting titles in the board game world.
Explore what's new in the gaming world here: Check out our latest releases to keep your store on trend.
Stay on top of emerging & trending board games
Board games constantly evolve, with new mechanics and themes gaining popularity each year. Staying updated on the latest trends is essential to stocking the best-selling games. The rise of co-operative games, hybrid genres, or games with unique storytelling mechanics has reshaped the landscape of board gaming.
Watch upcoming releases to anticipate which games will likely be the next big hit. For instance, deck-building games, which allow players to customise their decks as they play, or narrative-driven games that immerse players in rich storylines, are currently very popular.
Looking to keep your business on the cutting edge? Discover what's coming soon in the world of board games by visiting our Coming Soon section, where you can spot upcoming titles that generate buzz and might be perfect for your customers.
Offer different types of board and card games for all audiences
Variety is key when selecting board games for your business. While it’s crucial to stock best-sellers, you should also ensure that you offer a wide range of games catering to all players, from casual newcomers to hardcore enthusiasts. This diversity will attract a broader audience and encourage customers to return for new gaming experiences.
Consider offering a selection of games with different themes and mechanics. Whether it’s a light-hearted party game, a strategic card game, or a timeless classic, having a range of titles will ensure you can cater to all tastes. For example, games like Catan and Ticket to Ride continue to be popular, but newer titles deserve space on your shelves.
Ready to expand your selection? Our board and card game collection offers excellent options.
Tap into the Power of Award-Winning Board Games
When selecting board games, it’s always a safe bet to consider titles that have won industry awards or received significant recognition. Games that have won prestigious awards, such as the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) or the Golden Geek awards, are often the most reliable choices for your store. Not only are these games of high quality, but they also have a proven track record of being well-received by players.
These games have earned acclaim for their innovative mechanics, engaging themes, and high replayability. Including these award-winning titles in your stock will make your store a destination for customers looking for the best the industry offers.
Want to make sure you’re offering the best in gaming? Check out this detailed guide to board game awards to learn more about titles that are industry-recognised and loved by fans.
Use in-store board game demos to drive sales
One of the most effective ways to boost board game sales is by allowing customers to experience games before purchasing. Board game demos engage customers and allow them to try out a game firsthand, building their confidence in purchasing. Hosting in-store demo events or having demo versions of popular games available for customers to play can significantly increase sales.
Asmodee offers demonstration services to help retailers host in-store game nights or launch events. This not only attracts more foot traffic to your store but also creates a sense of excitement around your latest releases.
By offering in-store demonstrations, you can engage with customers directly and give them a memorable gaming experience that will encourage them to purchase.
Get more information about our demonstrations team and how they can benefit your store.
Create a specialist board game selection for enthusiasts
While it’s crucial to stock popular and best-selling games, you also want to attract board game enthusiasts looking for something unique. By offering a niche selection of games, you can cater to these gamers and create a community around your store. Niche games often have loyal fan bases willing to spend money on titles that align with their interests.
Consider adding games that are harder to find in mainstream retailers, such as limited editions, collector’s items, or games with unique themes (e.g., historical, science fiction, or niche mechanics like legacy games). Offering something different can set your store apart from the competition.
To add more diverse titles to your collection, check out HobbyNext, which features various games that may be perfect for dedicated gamers seeking new experiences.
Engage with your customers: collect feedback and build relationships
Customer feedback is invaluable when understanding what’s popular and which games resonate with your audience. Regularly engaging with your customers lets you learn about their preferences and curate your stock accordingly.
Encourage your customers to share their opinions through online reviews, social media, or direct feedback in-store. Positive word-of-mouth can help spread awareness about your store, and happy customers will return for more games. Listening to your customers’ feedback allows you to adapt and stay ahead of changing preferences in the gaming market.
Keep track of your competition
To ensure you’re always offering the best games, you must stay aware of what your competitors are offering. Visit other stores, attend trade shows, and see which games are selling well in your local area. Keeping track of the competition helps you make informed decisions about which games to stock, ensuring your store remains competitive.
Monitoring trends in your industry and seeing what’s popular in other businesses can give you a competitive edge. You don’t have to follow every trend, but staying aware of which games generate buzz will help you stay relevant in a fast-moving market.
How Asmodee can help
Choosing the best-selling board games for your business involves more than just stocking popular titles. By understanding your customers, keeping up with trends, offering a diverse range of games, and incorporating demos, you can create a unique and exciting selection that will keep your store thriving.
Contact our friendly team at Asmodee for further information and advice.
