Little Shop of Heroes, located in Dunfermline, Scotland, was a finalist for the Eisner Spirit of Retail award in 2023. In a video clip, Alby discusses the “death of comics” discourse and the anxiety surrounding the direct market. It is important to support local comic shops like Little Shop of Heroes.
The origin story of Little Shop of Heroes began about 12 years ago when Alby’s previous company closed down, leaving him unsure of his next steps. After taking six months off, Alby and his friends decided to open a small kiosk in an office building to sell their collectibles, games, statues, books, comics, and records. Eventually, they came across a vacant shop in Dunfermline and decided to take a chance on it. When they opened, everything in the shop belonged to Alby.
The first year of Little Shop of Heroes was filled with blissful ignorance. Alby and his wife, Louise, wanted to create a friendly store where people felt comfortable and at home. They shared their hopes and dreams with customers, allowing them to feel a sense of ownership in the space. Despite starting with very little money, they managed to make it through the first day and have been in business for 12 years.
In the beginning, Little Shop of Heroes had a small comic book wall and would get random comics on a weekly basis. They aimed to provide the community with options they had never had before, and people were eager to get their hands on new material. The shop became a place for people to come together, chat, and enjoy coffee.
The comics and pop culture scene in Dunfermline is vibrant and loyal. Little Shop of Heroes organized a successful Dunfermline Comic Con, focusing solely on comic books and featuring artists, writers, letterers, and colorists. The community showed great support for the event, which attracted thousands of people.
Little Shop of Heroes occupies a small space of 300 square feet. While there are arguments for expanding, Alby envisions a future with a larger store that includes a cafe like Blackbird Comics. However, they are hesitant to move from their current location as they feel a strong connection to the street and the shop’s identity.
The name “Little Shop of Heroes” was chosen after considering other options, such as “Heroes for Sale.” However, another shop opened with the same name, leading Alby to be grateful for the unique identity of their chosen name.
Being nominated for the Eisner Spirit of Retail award was a surprise for Little Shop of Heroes. They had no idea who nominated them and were incredibly grateful for the recognition. It was a humbling experience, especially considering the shop’s small size. They made no plans based on the nomination, but were grateful for being among the top 25 nominees.
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