SUFFOLK, Va. - Chances are during the coronavirus pandemic and stay at home order, you’ve dusted off the old board games and engaged in some family fun.
"We have five kids and have always enjoyed playing games in general," said Nichole Stewart, Owner of Will-O-Wisp.
That love of games prompted Nichole and her husband Brian to open the Will-O-Wisp last October, a community game shop and cafe downtown Suffolk.
"We started this process in October last year, so we thought by Christmas season we would be good to go, the time people will come out and buy games," said Brian Stewart.
More than nine months later the husband and wife team are a week in with the doors open and the pandemic is playing them a hand they didn't see coming.
"In the past week we have had a couple dozen people come in and its all been really positive feedback," said Brian Stewart,
Another road block they faced before opening, was simply just getting games. Many manufacturers also shut down due to the virus.
"It was one thing after another, permits, city council shut down, we just kept delaying and delaying," said Nichole.
But now its game on. They have it all in their quaint shop. From Pokemon trading cards, Dungeons and Dragons, and the nostalgic favorites like Clue and Monopoly.
"Some of the games we carry are 50 to 60 years old and its like the older generations are teaching the new generations to play," said Brian. "We want you to bring your games come and play with us."
Will-O-Wisp also hopes to hold events and gaming parties in the future. For hours and location click here.
