David Miller originally opened The Gaming Emporium in 2019 in the Wausau Center mall and then relocated to the city’s west side before selling the business in 2022.
Geneva Michlig | For the Wausau Daily Herald
RIB MOUNTAIN − The Gaming Emporium has a long history in the Wausau area.
David Miller originally opened the store in the Wausau Center mall in 2019, then moved to the city’s west side when the mall shut down ahead of demolition and plans for redevelopment of the downtown area. He sold the Stewart Avenue location in 2022.
But when the new owners shut down the west side store last year, Miller kept the signage and therefore the option of reopening was a possibility.
In June, Miller along with his new business partner Frank Vang, reopened The Gaming Emporium at 225675 Rib Mountain Drive in Rib Mountain. Miller feels this revival will grow the business beyond its past successes.
New location provides opportunities for new customers
Miller discussed the idea of reopening The Gaming Emporium with Vang, his friend of about two years, and they decided to restart the business about six months ago.
Miller and Vang’s shared goals and values − including giving back to the community and focusing on family − has supported the often difficult process of remodeling the store and assembling the product base.
Once Miller and Vang agreed to begin the business, finding a new location was the priority.
“One day. It took (Miller) one day to find the new location,” Vang said. This location provides opportunities for new customers, as Miller explained that the other locations were “more of a destination, while here customers will stop in” without having a specific product in mind.
What products will you find at The Gaming Emporium?
The Gaming Emporium purchases trading cards and games from personal collectors. Kids can also sell their cards to the store. “We treat them just as seriously as anybody else. We will look at every card,” Miller said.
Because Miller and Vang value accessibility for families, the store focuses on providing a competitive price for highly-sought-after items including Pokemon, its most popular game.
“We want to always make sure that when they walk out the door they are happy with what they buy,” Vang said. “Being able to provide that kind of service fulfills our goals and our values.”
Their $9.99 mystery packs are a popular item for this reason, as they may include cards of much higher value and provide a fun experience for customers.
Their LEGO supply has also brought a new set of collectors to the store. Customers can purchase cups of loose LEGO bricks, used sets and retired sets.
This relevant and exciting product base is maintained by the variety of experiences Miller and Vang each bring to the business due to their 20-year age gap.
“I remember when Pokemon first became popular, and Frank grew up playing it which gives us different perspectives,” Miller said.
Miller and Vang shared that their first month open has provided many positive experiences and moments to learn from. “I don’t regret one bit getting back into this business,” Miller said.
Customers are encouraged to visit The Gaming Emporium’s Facebook and Tik Tok pages to learn more about updates to the store and new releases.
Do you have a new business you would like to see featured in the Wausau Daily Herald? Email Editor Jamie Rokus at jrokus@gannett.com.
