By Matthew Clark
Canalside Chronicles Staff
For many people, comic books offer a sense of adventure and escapism, but for George Lawrence, they offer a living.
Lawrence is the owner of the comic book store Collector’s Choice, located on Main St. Brockport. The store is a treasure trove of all sorts of pop culture related goods. The store sells everything from comic books, graphic novels, toys, trading cards and board games.
If you were to walk by Collector’s Choice, you would know that its colorful store front is decorated with posters and cardboard cutouts of famous characters. There is even a neon Batman sign that is lit up during the store’s hours of operation. The interior of the store is packed full of merchandise.
“The sheer number of comics, figures and collectibles was definitely something to behold,” said comic fan Kevin West. West visited Collector’s Choice for the first time in July and was impressed with the amount of inventory.
Just a few of the hundreds of comics the story has in stock.·
The store is filled to the ceiling with merchandise. The middle of it is where the comic books are located. The comic section is made up of boxes stacked on top of boxes, and are arranged in rows. Stacks of random comics can be found all over the store.
Action figures and small statues line the walls of the store like a museum diorama. Despite the store’s large selection, Lawrence is selective when it comes to choosing what merchandise to sell. He explained that he does not want to have a lot of the same stuff that bigger stores like Walmart sell.
Lawrence opened Collector’s Choice back in 1990. It is located close to other Brockport businesses like Java Junction and Jimmy Z’s. “They help a lot,” said Lawrence on collaboration between local businesses.
For Lawrence, working in a comic book store means that there is always something new to see. Whether it is a new item, story or character, there is always something to discuss with customers. It’s not uncommon that Lawrence gets regular customers who shop and catch up with him, and including the customer who travels almost 40 miles every week to buy his comics.
“I have only gone maybe a couple times. One was last May on comic book day, which is May 2nd. It’s a great store if you’re looking for oldie but goodies or even newer editions of comics. He has a great catalog of things. It was a lot of fun going in there because it creates a whole different atmosphere for you when you step inside the store,” said Brockport student Brianna Milon. Comic Book Day is a yearly event in which comic book retailers like Collector’s Choice give away special comics to fans. In addition to Comic Book Day, they host card tournaments where customers can compete with each other and play their favorite games.
Those looking to indulge in their hobbies, and those looking for a new one might want to stop by and see what Lawrence has to offer. After all, it’s up to the collector to choose.
