CHAMBER News:
White Rock Toys and Gaming, a local gem for gamers, is getting a new name. Over the next couple of months, “Art’s Place Toys & Gaming” will take the place of White Rock Toys and Gaming, but solely in name. The mission, owners and products will remain intact.
In March 2019, owner James Nelson set out to create a community space for like-minded individuals to gather together, share in tabletop games, and find their people. The goal was realized when he took over a consignment business at the 108 Longview Dr. location in White Rock, and his dream has grown into more than simply a place to buy expansion packs for Magic the Gathering.
Nelson has lived a few different lives, only recently adding “shop owner” to the list. At 12 years old, he was introduced to contractor work through his family, and began framing houses in his adolescence. At 23 he began his own contracting business, leading a successful early life. Unfortunately, he broke his ankle a decade later, leading him to explore other options in work. Since then he has worked in IT, became an Apple certified technician, owned a food truck, and even learned how to farm chiles.
When he took over the location on Longview Drive, the intention was to include his dad, Art, a carpenter in Washington State.
“He always hated working so far from home. He had to drive everyday to get to a job, and he wanted something close to home. He loved antiques and collectibles … so that is where ‘Art’s Place’ comes from,” Nelson said.
Devastatingly, before Art was able to see what his son had built, he passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. By changing the name of the store to reflect his dad’s dream, Nelson hopes to honor the memory of his father.
Art’s Place Toys & Gaming will officially replace the current store name in the next couple of months, likely before the holiday season. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/whiterocktoysandgaming/ or visit the store at 108 Longview Dr. in White Rock.
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The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce is a program of Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation; a private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization serving the Los Alamos area since 1983. LACDC serves as the umbrella organization for the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos MainStreet, Los Alamos Creative District, Discover Los Alamos, Los Alamos Small Business Center, projectY cowork Los Alamos, Los Alamos Research Park, LEEP (Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program) and the Los Alamos Business Accelerator.