PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
RIBBON CUTTING … Those from Nexus Games and Collectibles gathered in front of their newly opened store with members of the community to cut the ribbon and celebrate their grand opening.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held at Nexus Games and Collectibles, marking the grand opening of the new locally owned game and hobby store in Wauseon.
The business is located at 1075 North Shoop Avenue, Suite 2, and welcomed community members inside to explore the shop and learn more about what it offers.
The store officially opened following a soft opening the previous week and is currently the only Nexus location, though future expansion is being considered.
Employees and guests gathered inside the store’s open play area as the celebration highlighted both the retail space and its role as a community gathering place.
Co-owner Matthew Langwell explained that Nexus Games and Collectibles focuses on bringing people together through non-electronic gaming and collectibles.
The store carries a wide range of trading card games including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Disney Lorcana, along with board games, card games, dice games, and puzzles.
On the collectible side, the shop also offers model kits, action figures, and Lego sets. Langwell said the goal is to create a space where both casual players and experienced gamers feel welcome.
Beyond retail sales, the store features a dedicated play area with 10 tables and 40 chairs available for open play.
Customers can bring their own games or take advantage of the store’s play library, which includes dozens of games available for a small fee.
Langwell noted that the play library allows visitors to try games before deciding to purchase them, encouraging exploration and social interaction. Snacks and drinks are also available, making it easy for groups to spend extended time in the space.
Nexus Games and Collectibles plans to host a full calendar of events throughout the week, ranging from euchre nights and Dungeons & Dragons sessions to Friday night Magic: The Gathering events.
Weekend activities will vary and may include trivia nights, puzzle races, and learn-to-play sessions for new or lesser-known games.
Langwell said the events are designed to be flexible and responsive to community interest, with themed activities planned around new game releases.
Langwell shared that the business is family owned and grew out of a lifelong love of gaming. He said the owners wanted to create a place where people could reconnect in person, emphasizing the importance of community and face-to-face interaction.
Langwell said feedback from the soft opening was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors expressing excitement that a space like this now exists in town. He said the team actively welcomes customer suggestions and already has a system in place to add requested products.
Nexus Games and Collectibles is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
The business can be reached at 419-330-4075 and is active on Facebook for event updates and announcements.