In a world where prices seem to be inflating faster than a balloon at a children’s party, businesses everywhere are feeling the pinch. But perhaps none feel it quite as personally as the close-knit community hub—and Alamo City institution—that is Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop. Picture it: a haven where the air buzzes with the hum of trading cards being shuffled and the excited discussions of collectors sharing tips and tales of their rare finds. Priceless? Not exactly. And now it’s about to get a little bit more expensive.
The man at the helm, Vic Nava, decided to pull back the curtain with a candid Facebook post intended to illuminate the situation. Against a backlit screen and with fingers likely creaking from stress, he empathized with his customer base, opening his heart and inbox about it all on an unseasonably balmy April 17th evening. “First and foremost, thank you all for being a part of the shop’s growth and success,” he began, establishing a bedrock of community appreciation before broaching the topic no one wants to hear.
Lurking in those emails Nava received—a pair with all the warmth of a winter breeze—was news of a daunting 100% price increase on essential plastic supplies from his distributors. “Yeah…100%…we are pissed too,” Nava couldn’t help but vocalize the frustration bubbling beneath his cool exterior. It’s as if global trade policies reached into the cozy alcove of Boomtown, a world away from the international stage, turned off the lights, and warned of an impending electricity bill like no other.
It’s a predicament reminiscent of those unseen domino rows—one tiny nudge, and suddenly, ripple effects reach as far as hometown businesses. And so, after duly weighing options like a chess grandmaster at a tournament, Nava realized that maintaining the current pricing would be more Fool’s Mate than strategic gambit. “If I keep prices the same, this could really hurt our business,” he admitted, reluctantly preparing for unavoidable adjustments.
You might think that this news would be met with cries and customer rebellions akin to a fan mutiny at a rock band charging for autographs. Yet, the spirit of community did show up—albeit in an uplifting twist of expectation. Loyal fan JD Nash offered encouragement akin to a supportive “keep on truckin’” bumper sticker, stating, “Do what you gotta do, brotha. We’ll still support no matter what. Always a pleasure coming into the shop.” Another customer, Rey Jimenez, extolled the virtues of Boomtown as not just a shop but a muse for the young: “Because of you guys, my two little boys love collecting. Every time we go into San Antonio, that’s our first stop. Keep the hobby alive, brother!”
It’s no small feat to impress upon the intricacies of running a small business amid global trade storms, yet Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop is endeavoring to weather it all. The emails, the increased costs—these are the thunderstorms on a small business owner’s weather map. Yet even as the tumult brews, the foreseeable rainbow is the enduring community support that acts as a forcefield—protective and unwavering.
Certainly, San Antonio’s collectors are soon to be on the receiving end of higher price tags. But such is the sacrificial cycle in the name of keeping a beloved establishment afloat. To shop at Boomtown will mean more than just buying cards; it will be an act of community contribution. The groundswell of support is like a phoenix rising from the ashes of economic adjustment—transcending mere transactions to echo the values of loyalty and passion for a shared love.
As patrons rally and continue crossing the threshold into Boomtown, albeit with slightly thicker wallets, Nava’s transparent approach offers an inadvertent lesson. Business surviving in the face of adversity is not just about balancing spreadsheets, but about balancing relationships between provider, community, and customer.
The inevitable sticker shock may sting, but the camaraderie it seems has more cushion than a well-worn trading card collection—each piece representing not just a hobby but a testament to endurance. So collectors and hobbyists of San Antonio, steel yourselves; your devotion is not solely to cards but to a cornerstone of community spirit. As Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop stands grounded amid dicey economic waves, its patrons know it doesn’t end here—because sometimes, the rarity of support is the most valuable card in the deck.
