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Review of Warhammer Store, Matawan NJ

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Our second stop on our trip to Cape May lead us to the Warhammer store in Matawan, NJ. We've visited the Warhammer store in Concord, DE before, but I wanted to see how this one compares.

Address: Colonial Drive 1121, NJ-34 Suite 1121-N, Matawan, NJ 07747

Website: https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Warhammer-Holmdel

Selection

Let me be clear - a Warhammer store is exactly what it is supposed to be: a Games Workshop proxy for Americans to buy and peruse their models. Are these stores still LGS'? Yes. Do they get a pass on not having MTG products et all? Yes. If your hobby of choice is Warhammer (40k or AoS, Blood Bowl, Warcry/Kill Team, or anything else GW related), the Warhammer stores provide a lot of services other LGS' simply can't.

If you want something AoS or 40k related, this store has it or can acquire it easily. Other Games Workshop product is sort of random, with more KT/Warcry than any sort of Blood Bowl support. They also keep a healthy amount of codexes and Black Library novels on-hand. The paint selection is fantastic as well, so long as you enjoy Citadel paints (I do).

Cleanliness

This, and the other Warhammer stores, is an immaculate space. The managers do a good job keeping the store and tables clean - this one was no different.

Friendliness

I have always had friendly experiences with Warhammer store managers, and the one in Matawan was honestly even better than most. Usually there is a bit of a sales atmosphere at these stores, but the manager here was simply helpful and only engaging if I wanted to be engaged.

Play Space/Events

Warhammer stores have smaller play areas, usually 2-4 wargaming tables, but the quality of the space is superb. They have chairs in the back that they will bring out for players, and the tables themselves are filled with gorgeous terrain and models. The store, during non-COVID times, has paint classes, game events, and open play nights - just as they should!

Value

The appeal in these stores is their selection and convenience, not the prices. Though their paints being MSRP often makes them cheaper than other hobby stores, the models using MSRP is only a good deal if it's a hard-to-find mini.

Niche Notes

The only major note is to reiterate that this, and other "Warhammer" stores, is a place for Warhammer only. Typically the managers will not allow you to use minis from other systems, minus one or two 'counts as' stand-ins. But if you like Games Workshop products and games, there aren't that many better places to visit from time to time!

Final Thoughts

The Warhammer store in Matawan is the second such store I have been to. It is just as clean, welcoming, stocked and enjoyable as the first. I would recommend any Games Workshop fan, or anyone interested in Warhammer more generally, to visit one of these stores. They are fun if nothing else, and the managers always are willing to discuss the hobby to both beginners and those playing their 50th match.

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