Hey CAGs,
I know when you are traveling through new areas you are always looking for independent video game stores and Eau Claire, WI is lucky enough to have 3 independent stores all on Clairemont Ave which is business 12. Easy to get to by taking the exit off of I-94
Video Gamestar 2533 East Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 has been around the longest and they are located across the highway from Kmart next to Old Country Buffet. They carry everything from old NES games up to and including the current generation. The store can vary on inventory, only one major problem with the store, the owner is an out of towner and does not really understand video games. This can be good and bad because prices can be all over the place. My major issue is they have the boxes for the old retro games but they will not sell them. They keep one of each box and throw the rest of the old stuff away.
Definitely worth stopping though, you can always find something to buy. They also have a large selection of DVDs, and CDs.
Chaos Computer Internet Gaming Center is the next further down at 303 East Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701 and right in the middle of the three independent video game stores. They have been around the least amount of time in Eau Claire but don't let this stop you from stopping in. They are located in the Putnam Plaza next to Cousin Subs and the Liquor Mart. You might have to go around the block to get into the parking lot only because the outlets into the parking lot can be a little different. Once you've been there it is easy to figure it out after that. The game store is the newest in town but the guys that own it are the biggest of game fans. They love all the stuff from the Pong ages all the way to the current generation. Each of the owners has a variety of tastes in video games so you will find something to talk about with each of them. Their inventory is growing fast and they really value the collectible stuff. If you are looking for a mint and complete Final Fantasy for the NES these guys have it. Maybe you want a complete Chrono Trigger, these guys will also have it. Here is one of many reasons these guys are unique, they also deal in used PC Games! They have stuff dating back to the late 80s when it comes to PC Games. I have seen them sell sealed big box copies of Wing Commander IV, Ultima IX Ascension, and many others. Definitely stop into see these guys!
The last of the three is Toyriffic 1029 West Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 which is kind of a mini franchise, I know of a few others in Rice Lake, Hudson and Minneapolis. This one is located in the Shopko Plaza behind Wendy's and Red Lobster. The owner for this place stops in monthly so mostly you will be buying from his employees. The employees can be mixed on video game knowledge, similar to a Gamestop. Sometimes you get someone that knows a lot about video games, and another time you get someone that didn't realize GTA was available on something other than the Playstation 2. They carry a good selection of the old games and newer games. They understand the value of a perfect edition retro title and will price accordingly. They have the best selection of newer games out of the three independent game stores and have been known to break a street date for the right price.
I know when you are traveling through new areas you are always looking for independent video game stores and Eau Claire, WI is lucky enough to have 3 independent stores all on Clairemont Ave which is business 12. Easy to get to by taking the exit off of I-94
Video Gamestar 2533 East Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 has been around the longest and they are located across the highway from Kmart next to Old Country Buffet. They carry everything from old NES games up to and including the current generation. The store can vary on inventory, only one major problem with the store, the owner is an out of towner and does not really understand video games. This can be good and bad because prices can be all over the place. My major issue is they have the boxes for the old retro games but they will not sell them. They keep one of each box and throw the rest of the old stuff away.
Definitely worth stopping though, you can always find something to buy. They also have a large selection of DVDs, and CDs.Chaos Computer Internet Gaming Center is the next further down at 303 East Clairemont Ave Eau Claire, WI 54701 and right in the middle of the three independent video game stores. They have been around the least amount of time in Eau Claire but don't let this stop you from stopping in. They are located in the Putnam Plaza next to Cousin Subs and the Liquor Mart. You might have to go around the block to get into the parking lot only because the outlets into the parking lot can be a little different. Once you've been there it is easy to figure it out after that. The game store is the newest in town but the guys that own it are the biggest of game fans. They love all the stuff from the Pong ages all the way to the current generation. Each of the owners has a variety of tastes in video games so you will find something to talk about with each of them. Their inventory is growing fast and they really value the collectible stuff. If you are looking for a mint and complete Final Fantasy for the NES these guys have it. Maybe you want a complete Chrono Trigger, these guys will also have it. Here is one of many reasons these guys are unique, they also deal in used PC Games! They have stuff dating back to the late 80s when it comes to PC Games. I have seen them sell sealed big box copies of Wing Commander IV, Ultima IX Ascension, and many others. Definitely stop into see these guys!
The last of the three is Toyriffic 1029 West Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 which is kind of a mini franchise, I know of a few others in Rice Lake, Hudson and Minneapolis. This one is located in the Shopko Plaza behind Wendy's and Red Lobster. The owner for this place stops in monthly so mostly you will be buying from his employees. The employees can be mixed on video game knowledge, similar to a Gamestop. Sometimes you get someone that knows a lot about video games, and another time you get someone that didn't realize GTA was available on something other than the Playstation 2. They carry a good selection of the old games and newer games. They understand the value of a perfect edition retro title and will price accordingly. They have the best selection of newer games out of the three independent game stores and have been known to break a street date for the right price.
