Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Beatty.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I read and collected comics since I was 5 years old, but the route to owning a comic store wasn’t very direct. I was a bouncer for 10 years, then managed my family’s concession business for 5 years. After that, I was the WB Store Gallery manager at Water Tower here in Chicago. Then managed a 25,000 sq.ft. antique store. Through a friend, I was introduced to the owner of Watch Tower Comics, which at the time was taking on water financially. I became the manager in 2003, and was able to get them to get them in the black within a few months and renamed the store Dark Tower Comics. I ran the store for three years before making an offer of purchase to the owner. I bought the store in December 2006. I am in my 12th year as the owner.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like most small businesses, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster, feast or famine at times. Our biggest test was the economic downturn in 2008. During that time, people had to tighten their belts and cut out things that weren’t necessities and comics fell under that for a number of folks, understandably so. Luck and our own belt fastening, helped us weather that and things almost literally got better for us over night. All the sudden, we were doing better than just covering bills. We were even able to expand our store a few years later.
Please tell us about Dark Tower Comics.
We are a full service comic store, meaning we carry a huge assortment of new and old comics, graphic novels, toys/action figures, statues, supplies and just about anything else you can think of that has to do with comics. One of the things we’re known for, is our huge selection of $1.00 comics, we have 30-40,000 comics in this section alone at any given time. We also have one of the largest trade and graphic novels sections in the city, in the range of 10.000 in stock.
What sets us apart is our customer service. We get to know our customers and have a great relationship with them. I liken us to a neighborhood bar in the fact that coming here feels like an hanging out with friends.
We also have live stand-up comedy in store every Friday at 8 pm, thanks to Wet Cash.Comedy.
Buying this store was one of the greatest things (only second to marrying my wife) I’ve done and making it in to one of the best comic stores in Chicago is one of the things I’m proudest of.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything that has happened to me in my life lead me here to this store at this time. It’s where I was meant to be. I am a comic book guy and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pricing:
- 35,000 $1.00 comics
Contact Info:
- Address: 4835 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60625
- Website: www.darktowercomics.com
- Phone: 773-654-1490
- Email: darktowercomics@comcast.net
- Instagram: darktowercomicschicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dark-Tower-Comics-169077309159/
- Twitter: @darktowercomics
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