The Card Nest in Kenilworth is Union County’s premier shop for Magic The Gathering and Pokemon card collectors and players, offering a number of board games, accessories, and other collectible trading card games. It’s a perfect spot year-round for fans of the games, hosting a number of tournaments, casual play, and a wide variety of products to choose from, for fans of all ages and levels of experience.
What’s more, The Card Nest in Kenilworth is a textbook example of a store that is for fans, by fans.
Owner Dylan may now take residence behind the counter, but his love for gathering around a gaming table is where it all began.
“I’ve been a life-long passionate collector and player,” Dylan said. “One day, during a conversation with my wife, she suggested that since I am so passionate about these games that I should open a store that specializes in them. She felt my great love for them would pave the way for a successful business.”
Not long after that conversation, the business was off and running.
Dylan opened his first storefront less than a mile down the road from his current location, in a shared office building just off Boulevard. As a one-man show with limited hours and store space, the modest shop was Dylan’s first foray into the brick and mortar scene. But as fans picked up on the shop; some driving as far as 45 minutes to an hour to browse and play, it was only a matter of time before the space itself had to match both Dylan’s ambitions, and the customers’ needs.
“A lot of hours go into making it all happen,” said Dylan. “There’s online posting, advertising, coming up with creative sales, YouTube videos, events, ordering inventory, shipping and boxing orders daily, or stocking the shelves the night before a large release. My family, staff, and friends have all been there with me to help me along the way. Especially the night before a double release, which leaves us prepping and stocking items well after 2am.”
Despite its growing presence in the local market, The Card Nest in Kenilworth even has a national reputation. Dylan routinely finds himself fulfilling orders throughout the country, attributing this interest to one simple strategy.
”Our goal Is to always stock every available product at or below the most competitive market price. Our system also provides daily updated market pricing to all of our single cards,” said Dylan. “Whether the product is the hot new item or an older product from years past, if its possible to acquire from our distributors, it’s on our shelves. We strive to always present the widest selection of products to our customers at all times. That is what creates the memorable shopping experience ”
It’s easy to say all those hours have paid off for Dylan, but in reality, it’s the fans and players who benefit from his efforts. His passion and knowledge of the games is evident, and shared with all who come through the front door.
“We treat everybody with kindness and respect, and we’re always willing to talk with both the new players and veterans for as long as their hearts desire,” said Dylan. “We remember names and faces even if it was just a one time visit, and love to make everybody feel welcome and included. It’s all one big family at our store.”
With his continued online success, and sprawling storefront at 486 Boulevard, The Card Nest in Kenilworth is open to all fans, and family of fans, no matter the level of expertise or interest.
“Since I am so passionate and knowledgeable in the field, I love to help others learn the games and also spread my passion with others who shared the same. Even if it’s your first time playing, or your shopping for a family member or friend, we’ll get you up and running. Our casual game nights will have the regulars welcoming you in with open arms.”
You can visit The Card Nest Wednesday through Sunday, or 24/7 on TheCardNest.com.
And of course, be sure to follow The Card Nest in Kenilworth on Instagram and Facebook to keep tabs on all the latest releases.
